Strengthening links between regional organizations CIS, EAEU 'an absolute priority,' Russia says

By Burc Eruygur

ISTANBUL (AA) — Strengthening the connection between the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) is "an absolute priority," Russia said on Thursday.

“We consider it an absolute priority to strengthen the connection between the Commonwealth of Independent States and the Eurasian Economic Union. It will increase the region’s resilience to external challenges and unlock the economic, trade and investment potential of our countries,” Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said during a meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the CIS in the Kyrgyz capital Bishkek.

Mishustin underlined that, under Russia’s chairmanship over the EAEU in 2023, Moscow implemented preparations for a long-term document for the development of Eurasian integration.

“It is intended to become the foundation for shaping the image of the union for the future, taking into account the accumulated experience and modern trends,” Mishustin said.

Stressing that Russia considers the creation of common energy markets to be a significant area for development, Mishustin said the agreements to be signed on Thursday would be an important step towards strengthening integration in the energy industry.

He also said the EAEU is open to mutually beneficial cooperation with all countries interested, despite the turbulence observed in the global economy, and that they would sign a full-scale free trade agreement with Iran in the near future.

"We have managed to make significant progress in the dialogue with Egypt. Negotiations have begun with Indonesia and the UAE. We are implementing the 'road map' adopted in February of this year to deepen cooperation with China," he added.

"I am convinced that this will contribute to the comprehensive development of our common Eurasian region," added the Russian premier.

Earlier, Mishustin had participated in a meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, as well as a meeting of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council, both of which also took place in Bishkek.

Established in 2014 by the leaders of Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Russia, the EAEU is an economic bloc of five post-Soviet states in Eurasia with the inclusion of Armenia and Kyrgyzstan in 2015.

The CIS is an international organization designed to regulate relations among some states that were formerly part of the Soviet Union, namely Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan.