Dushanbe, 15.03.2016. (NIAT “Khovar”). – The 21st meeting of the Council of Heads of state-run news agencies from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) has started its work today in Dushanbe.

The session is held at the National Library of Tajikistan. Its participants are discussing ways to boost cooperation in information sharing. The heads of state news agencies will sign an agreement on exchange of photographs. Besides, the council will discuss the work of the CIS Executive Committee and other bodies of the CIS, talk about major events that took place in the CIS in 2015, and review the status of implementation of joint projects to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Commonwealth of Independent States held within the framework of the CIS Information Council and the Association of National News Agencies of the CIS.

Director of the Tajik state news agency Khovar Zarobiddin Kosimi welcomed the participants of the session and expressed confidence that the work of the Information Council will be fruitful.

Assistant of the President Tajikistan on Social Development and Public Relations Abdujabbor Rahmonzoda highlighted the efforts taken by the Council that brings together the CIS countries.

“The CIS is our common history and present,” noted Sergei Mikhailov, Chairman of the CIS Information Council, TASS General Director. He pointed out that “the CIS is developing. It remains a reliable integration tool that helps boost the economies of its member states and strengthen ties between the peoples.”

The CIS Information Council was set up in November 1995. It comprises heads of the state news agencies of Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan, and Russia.

The CIS Information Council aims to facilitate media cooperation between the countries of the CIS, create favorable conditions for free flow of information and exchange of professional experience, and strengthen partnership ties.