Opinions & Interviews

SOCHI, 14 May (BelTA) – The Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) must become attractive to third states, Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko said at the meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council in Sochi on 14 May, BelTA has learned.

The head of state called the draft provision on the status of the observer in the EAEU as a successful step in the cooperation of the EAEU member states. “We cannot, however, make hasty decisions, especially if countries are not ready to establish closer contacts with our union. The EAEU must show it is attractive to third countries,” Alexander Lukashenko said.

In his words, Belarus supports the EAEU digital agenda through 2025. “We are ready to take part in digital trade, e-logistics and digital transport corridors. We need to create joint technical and legal conditions to bring our national systems into integration digital platforms,” the president said.

The EAEU has been steadily improving its legal framework. The union has finalized the draft agreement on international agreements with third states, organizations and integration associations. “It is important that this document should not remain on paper but give an impetus to the negotiating process with our partners, important partners for us, as the president of Kazakhstan noted. I agree with him on this,” the Belarusian leader said.

The EAEU has been developing a number of sectoral bodies. Alexander Lukashenko stressed that it is important that they contribute to addressing concrete problems and development of the common market free of exemptions and restrictions.

“The further development of our integration project depends on the observance of four major freedoms included in the Treaty on the Eurasian Economic Union. It is of utmost importance to fulfill all the agreements, solve the most difficult issues, rely on the rules we have developed, and respect each other as it is done by allies and business partners. Belarus seeks this type of relations,” the president said.