Lukashenko: Belarus views trade and economic cooperation as priority for the CIS

MOSCOW, 16 May (BelTA) – Belarus views trade and economic cooperation as a priority for the Commonwealth of Independent States, Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko said at the informal meeting of the CIS Heads of State Council on 15 May.

Belarus hailed the signing of the CIS free trade zone agreement aimed at the development of the single tariff and customs policy and removal of the existing barriers.

Opening the session Russian President Vladimir Putin drew the attention of the participants to the work which had been done to strengthen the CIS and other integration institutes on the post-Soviet space. He emphasized the importance of concluding an agreement on the Customs Union and the Single Economic Space development. Vladimir Putin noted that today the CIS member states are facing similar tasks in economic development, counteraction to new challenges and threats.

“Among all regional associations, different in their format, objectives and integration depth, the Commonwealth takes a special place as an organization which unites the biggest number of participants. With this in mind, further joint efforts to develop an integration economic and political union within the CIS are of priority significance today,” Vladimir Putin said.

The President of Russia stressed that the countries of the Commonwealth are the closest strategic partners. The Russian head of state emphasized those solid ties that unite all CIS member states. “Without each other we will not be able to function and develop efficiently,” Vladimir Putin added.