OREANDA-NEWS. April 22, 2008. The message to the CIS heads of state notes that this year the forum's main themes will be 'National Economic Interests and Global Institutions of Goverance' as well as 'Analysis of the Russian Economy: Global Challenges and Opportunities through to 2020'. Expert discussions on a wide range of issues will figure prominently in the programme.

Vladimir Putin also invited the heads of CIS member countries to hold an informal meeting within the forum with a view to furthering their exchange of views on different issues, a process which began in Moscow on 22 February 2008. In particular, CIS heads of state will exchange views on the strategy of economic development in the CIS, humanitarian issues, and the main directions of development of the Commonwealth of Independent States. Other issues of common interest are also on the agenda, including preparations for the next meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of State on 26 September 2008 in Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan).