Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 28 January (BelTA) – The integration formats of the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) can be successfully combined, Belarus’ Prime Minister Andrei Kobyakov said as he met with Chairman of the CIS Executive Committee, CIS Executive Secretary Sergei Lebedev on 28 January, BelTA has learned.

Andrei Kobyakov reminded that Belarus held the presidency in the Commonwealth for two years and its efforts as the CIS president were acknowledged by the member states. This year, Belarus was granted this honorary status again, but in another integration project – the Eurasian Economic Union. Thus, Belarus will become the first president of the Eurasian Economic Union. The Premier believes that the interaction between different integration formats might get a new lease of life. “The EEU implies a more advanced economic integration. At the same time, it is associated with many challenges and issues that can be resolved within the framework of the CIS. It would make much sense to combine these two formats, because this will benefit the peoples of our states,” the Premier noted.

He believes that economic dimension is an important part of the CIS. The signing of the free trade agreement on goods is a testimony to that. “However, Belarus deems it necessary to move further and start working on the free trade agreement on services,” Andrei Kobyakov noted. He reminded about Belarus’ initiative to conduct consultations of heads of financial and economic ministries of the CIS. The consultations took place amidst a very tough period and proved efficient. “This means that arising issues can be resolved effectively,” the Premier added.

Sergei Lebedev noted that the year 2015 will not be easy for the Commonwealth and its member states. Nevertheless, the participating states vigorously embarked on integration. Indeed, Minsk has recently played host to sessions of councils and ministerial consultations dedicated to integration. The participants of the ministerial consultations suggested working out a joint position within international organizations, like the United Nations and the OSCE. “The work is underway to draft action plans to expand cooperation and maintain contacts with Western countries. International organizations have made it clear that they want to preserve the existing level of cooperation. The CIS member states want the same. They hope that a constructive and meaningful dialogue will be continued and will benefit the Western countries and the CIS member states,” he noted.

Sergei Lebedev thanked the Belarusian government for their efforts to promote integration within the Commonwealth of Independent States.