Posted: 26.12.2022 16:32:00

Putin: CIS informal summit indicates countries’ desire to further build co-operation

An informal CIS summit testifies to the desire of the CIS member states to continue building co-operation in the spirit of respect and partnership – as stated by Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg, BelTA reports

Photo: www.reuters.com

The Russian leader expressed gratitude to the CIS heads of state for accepting an invitation to the traditional informal New Year's Eve meeting. "The fact that we have gathered once again in such a friendly atmosphere eloquently testifies to our desire to continue to jointly build co-operation in the CIS in the spirit of genuine strategic partnership, mutual benefit and consideration of the interests of all countries," Vladimir Putin said. Speaking about the meeting agenda, he suggested summing up the results of the outgoing year of 2022, discussing plans for the future and issues of concern on the regional and international agenda.

According to the President of Russia, co-operation between the CIS states has been developing successfully in 2022, and this is confirmed by a steady growth of trade turnover: in January-October, it increased by 6.6 percent to make $81.5bn. "There are grounds to expect that, by the end of this year, it will reach $100bn,” Vladimir Putin noted, adding, “All this is happening against the backdrop of a difficult situation caused by volatility in global markets, unfavourable global economic conditions, and sanctions pressure on the side of some countries."

The Russian leader stated that the CIS countries have become more active in switching to national currencies in mutual settlements. "Co-ordinated measures aimed at import substitution and ensuring technical sovereignty, independence, building up joint industrial production and scientific potential have been taken by the CIS. As a result, the economic and financial sovereignty of the Commonwealth states has been strengthened, while domestic markets for goods, services and capital have been developing dynamically. Regional integration has intensified as well,” he said.

After a brief speech by Vladimir Putin, the President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, took the floor. Considering that Kazakhstan chaired the CIS in 2022, he summed up the results of that period, outlined the most urgent tasks for the development of co-operation within the Commonwealth.

After that, the heads of state went to the informal dinner on behalf of Vladimir Putin in honour of the CIS leaders.