Lukashenko suggested developing common economic strategy within CIS
At today’s meeting of the CIS Heads of State Council, held in a narrow format in Dushanbe, Belarus’ President Aleksandr Lukashenko called on his counterparts to restore the common economic space while considering the interests of each member country
Speaking about the development of economic co-operation within the CIS, Aleksandr Lukashenko put forward a concrete plan of action, “Dear friends, I would like to propose a serious plan for our immediate actions. The most important aspect is the economy, as it is the foundation. In recent years, we have made various claims, demands and requests to different parties within the CIS, particularly concerning the economy. For example, Russia has consistently been approached regarding oil and gas markets, whereas Central Asian countries and Belarus have concentrated on food security (by supplying various goods and products). In one way or another, we are addressing the issue of our joint economic activities within the framework of a common market.”
The Belarusian leader emphasised that he is not calling for a return to the Soviet system, while pointing out that the common market was global, “Perhaps we should set aside all kinds of reflections and confusing arguments and focus directly on economic issues, considering the needs of each of us. I am confident that if we develop a shared strategy, we can restore our economic space while respecting the interests of all states, and act in a co-ordinated way on the international arena in trade-economic co-operation. Everything else remains the prerogative of independent and sovereign states. We can organise our military interaction so that no external parties interfere. However, we must finally address the most serious and global issues without compromising the ambitions of any of our states. But we need to begin this process now.”
The Head of State emphasised that he is not advocating for the revival of the Soviet Union, but stressed the importance of maintaining the economic space, “We must ensure that only those we permit are allowed to enter our economic space. Additionally, we need to act in a co-ordinated and unified way externally, whether in military-industrial co-operation, food security or other areas.”
Aleksandr Lukashenko cited one more example: Tajikistan and Uzbekistan have had excellent fruit harvests this season and are seeking markets to sell their produce, while other CIS countries are importing these products from elsewhere.
“Why is that? After all, we could consume what we have [within the CIS]. I believe you understand what I mean. This is a challenge for us, one that we sometimes ignore like ostriches burying their heads in the sand, pretending it doesn’t exist. But without addressing this economic aspect, there can be no co-operation — neither political, nor diplomatic, nor military. Otherwise, we will end up relying on the United States, the European Union, Africa, and Asia to improve our living standards in some way,” the Head of State emphasised.
He also called on not to lose what generations of people have achieved, “Let’s first see each other as partners and maximise our co-operation without any closed topics. Let’s think about this seriously. It’s an important issue. By stumbling around like blind kittens, bumping into one wall and then another, we have come to understand what we need from each other and how to conduct foreign policy without repeating the mistakes our great country once made — trying to arm and feed the entire world for free with our own resources. Let’s solve our own problems first, and then addressing our internal issues will become easier. In this regard, I welcome today’s adoption of the declaration on co-operation in ensuring regional energy security.”
