CIS Heads of State met in Minsk

Twelve international instruments embracing a broad range of issues – from peaceful atom to sports – streamline shared interests of the CIS stakeholders. Common legal instruments are probably the best response to similar areas of concern. At center stage is the economy. The meeting in Minsk is fine tuning of positions ahead of the new institutional format of the Eurasian Economic Union.

The decision to establish the new institution is scheduled to come into effect in two years’ time, has been taken by the Presidents of Belarus, Kazakhstan and Russia. In a way, it is a transformation of the Customs Union towards new horizons of a common market and equal opportunities.

At the meeting, Uzbekistan signed the accession agreement for the CIS free-trade zone. This will be the ninth SCI member to participate in the free movement of capital and goods across partner countries.

Consensus was the highlight of the day, according to commentators. All fundamental decisions on the economy had been taken with a minimum of discussion. This means that the decisions adopted will be lasting and effective. Any amendments and refreshments are likely to be inconsequential.