The Commonwealth of Independent States’ Council of the heads of Government
It is the second most important body in the CIS after the Council of the Heads of State, and comprises the prime ministers of all CIS member states. The CHG coordinates CIS cooperation in economic, social, and other spheres of mutual interest and makes decisions by consensus.
In accordance with the CIS Chairmanship Provisions, approved by the Resolution of the CIS Council of the Heads of State of October 10, 2008, a simultaneous chairmanship has been established for: the CIS Council of the Heads of State, the Council of the Heads of Government, the Council of Foreign Ministers, the Economic Council, the Council of member states' Permanent Plenipotentiary Representatives in the charter and other bodies of the Commonwealth, and for the Commission on Economic Issues under the CIS Economic Council. In 2009, Moldova holds the chairmanship. Co-chairmanship is exercised by previous and subsequent chairmen, Kyrgystan and Russia, respectively.
Prior to that, the member states held alternating CHG chairmanship in alphabetical order based on the name of the state as per the Russian alphabet for a period not exceeding one year, unless otherwise determined by the Council.
The Council of the Heads of Government convenes twice a year, usually in spring and autumn. Special sessions of the Council can be called at the request of the government of a member state.
During CHG meetings, member states adopt important documents on establishing a free economic zone, developing production cooperation and a common agricultural market, cooperation in banking, space research, disaster relief, and other areas.
The last CHG meeting was held on May 22, 2009 in Astana.
