The meeting was attended by President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev, President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan, President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko, President of Kyrgyzstan Almazbek Atambayev, President of Russia Vladimir Putin and Chairman of the Eurasian Economic Commission’s Board Viktor Khristenko.
The parties discussed current EAEU issues, prospects for deepening partnership within the organisation and expansion of international cooperation, as well as the process of Kyrgyzstan’s accession into the union.
Addressing the participants at the meeting, Nursultan Nazarbayev emphasized that one year had passed since the agreement was signed establishing the EAEU.
“I am convinced that an integration alliance based on equity of interests, pragmatism and gradualism can strengthen our states and economies in conditions of the global crisis. Since the EAEU started to function one year ago, the composition of the union enlarged with the accession of Armenia and Kyrgyzstan. I believe that in the future, the cooperation will strengthen ties between our countries and will give a powerful impetus to the development of the Eurasian Union as a whole,” he said.
The President noted growing interest of the international community in the economic union.
“Today, a number of states propose establishing trade and economic relations. For example, during the meeting of the intergovernmental council there were plans to sign the first agreement on a free trade zone between the EAEU and Vietnam. Also, our agenda includes the beginning of the negotiation process with China on concluding an agreement on partnership and cooperation. The next potential partners at this stage could become Turkey, Iran, India, Mongolia and Azerbaijan,” he added.
The Head of State stressed that work on the implementation of decisions requires a systematic and consistent approach from both the governments and the Commission itself.
“We have set the time limits for the gradual implementation of all agreements. Our organisation is taking shape; the necessary legal framework is being worked out. Its stable development is based on these grounds,” he said.
Nursultan Nazarbayev expressed his confidence that despite the difficult economic situation in the world EAEU has great potential for further development for the benefit of all member states.
“Today, against the backdrop of crisis and Western sanctions policy, the trade turnover has decreased. However, we are actively creating joint ventures and moving our manufacturing facilities. I believe we are on the right track. Kazakhstan attaches great importance to the activities of the Eurasian Economic Union, which has a huge potential of trade and economic cooperation between our countries. We will make all necessary efforts for the preparation and adoption of mutually beneficial documents,” he maintained.
Following the talks, a package of documents was signed.
