The Agreement on the Establishment of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) was signed in Minsk, Belarus, on December 8, 1991. The CIS is a regional organization, which includes 11 former Soviet republics that gained independence after the collapse of the Soviet Union.
The CIS was created to facilitate political, economic, and cultural cooperation among its member states. The organization aims to promote mutual understanding and cooperation among its members, to protect their sovereignty, and to promote their economic and social development.
The CIS has a number of bodies that are responsible for different areas of cooperation. The Council of Heads of State is the highest body of the CIS. It meets once a year to decide on major policy issues and to coordinate the activities of the organization.
The Council of Heads of Government is responsible for coordinating economic and social policies among the member states. It meets twice a year to discuss issues related to trade, finance, and other economic matters.
The Council of Foreign Ministers is responsible for coordinating foreign policy among the member states. It meets regularly to discuss issues related to regional security, peacekeeping, and international relations.
The CIS also has a number of specialized bodies, including the Council of Defense Ministers, the Council of Interior Ministers, and the Council for Humanitarian Cooperation.
One of the key achievements of the CIS has been the establishment of a free trade area among its member states. This has helped to promote economic growth and development in the region, and has facilitated trade and investment among the member states.
However, the CIS has faced a number of challenges since its establishment. Some member states have been reluctant to give up their sovereignty and have been hesitant to cooperate on key issues. There have also been disagreements among the member states on issues related to regional security and political stability.
Despite these challenges, the CIS remains an important regional organization that plays a significant role in promoting cooperation and economic development among its member states. With continued effort and cooperation, the CIS has the potential to make even greater strides in achieving its goals of promoting mutual understanding and cooperation among its members.