Meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council

From the Archives, 25 May 2023

After the several Summits and continuing aggravation between Armenia and Azerbaijan, it seemed a good idea to pull this from the archive so readers get more context and info. There were two sessions, one open the other “narrow,” with the latter being very truncated for the public. Here are the “Narrow” format participants:

Expanded format participants and observers:

Nice cozy room, yes?

Here’s the Kremlin transcript header description:

The talks began with a narrow format meeting, which was attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, President of Belarus Alexander , President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Zhaparov and Chairman of the Board of the Eurasian Economic Commission Mikhail Myasnikovich.

President of the Republic of Uzbekistan joined the meeting via video link in an expanded format. President of Azerbaijan Ilham and President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon also spoke at the talks (participated via video link).

The meeting was also attended by CIS Executive Secretary Sergey Lebedev and SCO Secretary General Zhang Ming.

President of Cuba sent a video message to the participants of the meeting.

Following the meeting of the SEEC, a package of documents was signed.

It appears the room was filled after the narrow session. That transcript for that session follows:

Start of a narrow-format SEEC meeting

Vladimir Putin: Dear colleagues, good afternoon!

We have already almost started working, and we have been quite active in discussing the economic situation in our countries, analyzing how our cooperation is going, and we have even managed to delve into the details of some specific industries.

But at the beginning of our meeting, I would like to emphasize that cooperation within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Union is progressing very successfully indeed. As the President of Kazakhstan just said, Armenia is the main beneficiary, because Armenia has the highest economic growth rate. Nikol Vovaevich, how much, seven [percent]?

Nikol Pashinyan: No, 12.

Vladimir Putin: 12,5? 12?

Nikol Pashinyan: Last year it was 12.6, if I'm not mistaken, this year it's 12.1.

Vladimir Putin: The country's GDP is growing by 12.1 percent. This, of course, is a serious, very serious figure.

Naturally, Russia highly values the close partnership with all the member states of our association, which is consistently built on the principles of mutual benefit, respect and consideration of each other's interests.

Today, we will first exchange views in a narrow format, or rather, we will continue to exchange views on the main areas of our development, on the mechanisms that we use for our development, and then we will continue our meeting in an expanded format, which will also be attended by President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev on the Aerospace Forces (he has internal political processes, As you know, we are at an important, high stage, so I asked him to understand, since he does not take part in a personal format, but nevertheless will participate), as well as invited guests-President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, who will also participate in our work via videoconferencing..

We will discuss specific issues of integration cooperation in a comprehensive manner with the participation of delegations, including in such areas as ensuring energy and food security, technological and financial independence, accelerating digital transformation, removing regulatory and trade barriers, and developing transport infrastructure.

Let's get to work.

Rather terse it appears. Now on to the main show:

Vladimir Putin: Dear friends and colleagues,

We will start our work in a broad format, as agreed. With your permission, I will begin our public statements and then give the floor to everyone present. We will then summarize our discussion and move on to the documents.

See also

Narrow-format SEEC meeting

May 25, 2023

We have just concluded a meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council in a narrow format: we exchanged views on important aspects of our association's activities, outlined strategic prospects for deepening integration cooperation. And now, as I have already said, we will continue to work with the participation of delegations.

I am pleased to note that President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev is attending today's meeting as a guest for the first time. I would like to welcome him and the entire Azerbaijani delegation, who joined us via video link with the head of the Eurasec observer State, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev – he is on our screens, Shavkat Miromonovich, we welcome you – and President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon-Emomali Sharipovich, hello, you can see and hear us. Thank you for being with us today. I want to express my confidence that your countries will step up productive and multifaceted cooperation with the five countries.

It is symbolic that our meeting is taking place on the eve of the celebration of the Day of the Eurasian Economic Union (May 29), established by the decision of the Supreme Council last year and marking the common commitment of the Eurasec states to further development of integration.

I am pleased to note that cooperation within the Eurasian Union continues to strengthen and our association is consistently established as one of the independent and self-sufficient centers of the emerging multipolar world. At the same time, the interaction of the five countries is always built on the principles of mutual benefit, taking into account each other's interests and focusing on ensuring sustainable economic growth and improving the well-being of the inhabitants of all our states.

It is precisely to achieve these key goals that the activities carried out by the Russian Chairmanship in the Eurasec organizations this year are aimed. At the same time, we will jointly strive to ensure that an equally high level of development is achieved within the framework of our association.

Well, it will be difficult for us to keep up with Armenia, as we have already stated today, their GDP growth is more than 12 percent. This is a very high and serious indicator.

We need to make sure that citizens of all five countries, when coming to another state of the Union to work, study or conduct business, feel comfortable and at home. This can be achieved if we maintain real, one-hundred-percent freedom of movement of goods, services, finance and human capital within the Union, and ensure that the competitive advantages of our states are intertwined. This is precisely what the new basic strategic planning documents of the Eurasian Economic Community are focused on, which will set the main vectors of joint actions for the medium and long term in the horizon up to 2030 and 2045. Work on these documents covering the widest range of integration sectors is already underway, and we propose to step it up in order to achieve visible, tangible results by the end of the year. And I hope that the relevant departments of our countries will act in this way.

As for the specific tasks of further cooperation within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Community, first of all, I would like to note the need to develop industrial cooperation, increase the number of new joint ventures under the common trademark "Made in the Eurasian Economic Community". It is important that such a new brand becomes recognizable as soon as possible and gains the popularity of consumers in all our countries, and the "Eurasian Quality Mark" on goods manufactured in the territory of the "five" states means that products meet the highest standards.

Of course, coordinated efforts are needed to strengthen technological sovereignty in the system-forming sectors of the economy, to achieve genuine technological self-sufficiency. In practical terms, I would suggest that we agree on and implement common priorities for technological transformation and innovation cooperation, which would allow our countries not to depend on foreign technologies and companies in critical sectors, especially if we meet certain trends related to the restriction of cooperation on the part of other countries in these sectors. In the same context, we could also consider creating Eurasian technology alliances involving interested partners from third countries. The goal of such alliances could be the organization of new high-tech high-tech industries on the territory of our states.

Ensuring the digital sovereignty of the Eurasian Economic Community is also on the agenda. Let me remind you that Russia initiated the process of establishing the "five" partnership in the IT sector back in 2017. It is important that the member states of the union form a single digital ecosystem, which would imply the integration of national systems of electronic public services and electronic governments of each of the five participants. I can assure you that Russia has moved quite far here and has made very good progress.

And of course, common efforts should be aimed at strengthening the financial sovereignty of the Eurasian Economic Community by ensuring a stable credit, banking and settlement infrastructure, developing and harmonizing the Eurasian financial market. This will create favorable conditions for capital to remain within the borders of our countries and be invested in further strengthening the economies of our member states. To this end, it would be useful to establish a Eurasian rating agency, which would ensure that adequate assessment tools are available to serve the growing economic activity in Eurasia. Here, of course, we need principled approaches, strict criteria and the ability to comply with these criteria – to make sure that this work is absolutely objective, this is all its value. If it doesn't happen, then it just doesn't make sense.

I would also like to mention that this year the Russian presidency is paying considerable attention to issues related to climate change. The five countries 'approaches to climate regulation could be synchronized by the Eurasec Climate and Environmental Club, whose tasks would include the implementation of joint research and development, the introduction of "green" technologies, achieving international recognition of Eurasian climate initiatives, improving the state of aquatic ecosystems, preserving biological diversity, geological exploration and development of subsurface resources, and implementing projects on environmental protection. recycling of garbage and much more.

I would also like to point out a new and seemingly promising area of our work: I would suggest adding to the known four freedoms (movement of goods, services, finance and human capital within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Community) the fifth – freedom of knowledge, which would be implemented on the basis of common principles and standards of education, health care and public administration. This will contribute to the formation and development of a common cultural space and, if I may, a common Eurasian ideology. We have just discussed this in a narrow format in a rather detailed and informal way – how important it is for all of us. This is especially important for young people, the younger generation.

At the same time, we should actively promote our association, its achievements and opportunities for citizens of the member states, guarantee people wide access to reliable information about the ongoing integration processes, as well as fully promote the development of tourism within the framework of the Eurasian integration circuit, and create networks of new tourist routes.

Naturally, the practice of training qualified personnel and opening new jobs in the most popular areas of the economy requires our common support. In this regard, it is necessary to strive to coordinate national educational and scientific programs, harmonize requirements for professions, develop common educational and professional standards, launch joint educational courses and unified textbooks in technical and other disciplines. Inter-university cooperation, internship programs and academic exchanges should also be developed. At the same time, information about such opportunities should be available to students from all Eurasec countries.

I would like to note that further integration development requires strengthening, developing and modernizing the supranational instruments and institutions that we have created, first of all, the Economic Commission, which must quickly and adequately respond to the changes taking place in the world and make professional decisions aimed at protecting our common interests and promoting mutually beneficial integration.

We could consider giving the Commission additional powers, but in such a way that the principle of consensus, which is the basis for making all key decisions within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Community, remains basic, ensuring due respect for the sovereignty of each of the Union's member states and making it even more attractive to our potential partners and participants.

And of course, the Eurasian Economic Community should actively develop relations with countries that strive for equal and mutually beneficial partnership, I mean our partners in Asia, the Arab World, Africa, Latin America, I mean cooperation with multilateral associations such as the Commonwealth of Independent States, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, BRICS and some others. others.

It is important to continue the formation of free trade zones with interested countries, including inviting them to jointly use the international payment infrastructure available to the "five" participants in national currencies and digital currencies of central banks.

In conclusion, I would like to once again thank all the leaders of the Eurasec member states for their close cooperation and mutual support in solving the challenges facing the association. I would like to thank once again everyone who joined us in our work today without being a member of our organization – yet. I am confident that we will continue to work together in a coordinated manner and will definitely achieve new significant results in the development of integration cooperation in the interests of our states and peoples.

Thank you for your attention. And, as we do, alphabetically, I give the floor to the Prime Minister of Armenia, Mr. Pashinyan Nikol Vovaevich.

Dear Heads of State, Dear members of the delegations,

I am glad to welcome you to the first meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council this year.

Let me thank the chairing party and personally the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, for the traditional hospitality and high-level organization of the 30th anniversary meeting of the Supreme Council.

Dear colleagues!

At the narrow-format meeting, we had a thorough exchange of views on key issues on the agenda. And I would like to briefly address some of the issues that are relevant to the Union.

Strengthening the capacity of national economies is also due to a competent approach to ensuring energy security. As has been repeatedly noted, the timely functioning of the EAEU common gas market in the long term will contribute to the formation of favorable and mutually beneficial trade conditions, ensuring increased energy security and competitiveness of the Union's member states in the international market.

In this context, the Armenian side is ready for a constructive dialogue aimed at reaching a consensus on the unresolved issues as soon as possible.

Thanks to the extensive work done by the Commission and the authorized bodies of the Union's member States, we were able to identify significant progress in the development of a regulatory framework for creating a new format for financing industrial cooperation projects.

Financial support for joint cooperation projects in industrial sectors will provide us with an opportunity to stimulate individual sectors of our countries ' economies. At the same time, we consider it important to develop them in a balanced manner in order to minimize risks that suggest stagnation or a decline in activity in other sectors of the economies of the EAEU member States.

Therefore, at the stage of project selection, it is important to develop mechanisms that mitigate these risks, which will give us a long-term perspective for such projects.

I would like to note that one of the most important aspects of cooperation between our countries is food security, which is aimed at ensuring the availability and quality of food for the population, as well as protecting the market from low-quality and dangerous products.

Today, the need to form a collective system for ensuring food security has sharply increased. I consider it obvious that there is a need to consolidate the efforts of the EAEU countries in this direction.

I am glad that, using various formats of interaction, in 2022 we carried out systematic work to form a mutually beneficial partnership outside the Union, as evidenced by the information provided in the reports on the main directions of the EAEU's international activities and on approaches to developing trade and economic cooperation with the Union's main partners in the medium term.

Given the high dynamics of cooperation with Iran, the entry into force of the free trade Agreement and its subsequent implementation are a priority for us in the context of a real expansion of trade cooperation with third countries.

Continuing to work on such priority and promising areas of negotiations as India and Egypt, as well as developing a comprehensive dialogue on the economic agenda and deepening trade and economic cooperation with the United Arab Emirates and Indonesia will give an additional impetus to the process of integration of the Union into the world economy.

Despite the results achieved, based on current realities, we need to quickly establish effective mechanisms for interaction with partners from third countries, which will consistently lead to the creation of conditions for stable development of our economies.

Dear participants of the meeting,

It is obvious that effective planning of steps to develop the common economic space implies an open dialogue between entrepreneurs and representatives of the business community.

In this context, I would like to highlight the holding of the Eurasian Economic Forum and, taking this opportunity, once again thank the Russian side for organizing large-scale events and for its efforts to develop topics of discussion that cover the most relevant areas of interaction within the EAEU.

The Forum attracts leading political figures and leaders of business, cultural and other circles of the member states ' societies, becoming a key platform for forming promising ideas and projects, a platform for discussions around topical issues.

In conclusion, I would like to once again confirm the readiness of the Armenian side to consistently implement joint projects aimed at achieving mutually acceptable solutions on important issues related to the functioning of our integration association.

Thank you for your attention.

Vladimir Putin: Thank you very much, Nikol Vovaevich.

Please, Alexander Grigoryevich Lukashenko.

Alexander : Dear participants of our meeting,

I associate myself with the speaker's words and would like to thank the President of Russia and all those who took part in the meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council, as well as yesterday's forum.

The modern world is at the stage of global changes, entering an era of large-scale transformations and strategic development. There is a growing awareness of the need to replace the unipolar management system with new decision-making centers that take into account the interests of all participants in international relations.

The attention shown to the events taking place in Moscow today clearly indicates that the Eurasian Economic Union should become one of such centers.

We have finally made progress in supporting projects in the field of industrial cooperation, and a decision has been prepared to provide financial assistance to such projects at the expense of the EAEU budget. This is a landmark document, and we expect a serious practical impact from it.

At the same time, we are making difficult and frankly slow progress on some of the most important issues on the internal agenda of our integration. First of all, we are talking about forming common markets for gas, oil, and petroleum products, implementing digital agenda measures, and liberalizing the transport market. This was widely discussed in a narrow group. But this is a fundamental area of activity for our economies, and its relevance against the background of sanctions has only increased.

Creating a full-fledged economic union remains a priority for all of us. Everyone notes that there is progress in this issue, but I remain on the same position: there should be no barriers or restrictions at all. This is the basic principle of building our Alliance, and we must achieve this goal in the very near future.

A lot of work has been done to create a common market for state and municipal procurement. Not without problems, but the public procurement market is functioning.

However, for its further full-fledged development, it is necessary to sign and enter into force as soon as possible the agreement on mutual recognition of bank guarantees in public procurement and the rules for mutual recognition of electronic digital signatures.

Moreover, there is a reserve for solving the relevant sector of economic relations. In addition to public procurement, there is also the sphere of state corporations. I believe that the lifting of restrictions on access to procurement by state-owned corporations will have a positive impact on the Union's economy.

Another priority vector of the Union's development is improving transport infrastructure and developing efficient logistics. The President of Kazakhstan raised this issue in a narrow format and used examples to show how important it is for the development of our Union.

Due to the turn of our export flows to the south-east, it is very important to jointly "cut a window" to the countries of this region. This is a bottomless market for our products.

At the same time, we must ensure equal access to existing and newly created infrastructure, so that in the future there will be no unpleasant situations, as in the case of exporting timber to third-country markets through the territories of member states and, as Kazakhstan says, coal.

I consider it expedient to return to consideration of the issue of liberalizing road transport to third countries without the need to obtain special permits.

I would also like to touch upon a relatively new but very relevant aspect of our integration – the Union's climate agenda.

It is not the first year that we have seen Europe actively preparing for trade in the current conditions. The cross-border carbon regulation mechanism being developed by the EU countries will become a serious tool for influencing international trade. The European Union will have an additional opportunity for maneuver: goods that are recognized as "clean" will be allowed to enter the market, and what they do not need will simply be blocked, they know how to do this. In this regard, it is important to join forces within our Union and develop our own approaches and measures to respond to climate challenges. We need to systematically move towards an economy structure dominated by low-greenhouse gas-emitting industries and technologies.

Our response to the sanctions pressure is to step up cooperation between the SCO, BRICS and ASEAN, conclude new trade agreements and engage in constructive and mutually beneficial cooperation with all those who are willing to be friends and work with us. At the same time, I would like to draw your attention to the fact that in the end, a balance of interests of all participants should be ensured. The task is not easy, but I am sure that the commission has the necessary skills and competencies.

In conclusion, Belarus supports the need to define approaches to the formation of a new strategy for the development of Eurasian integration until 2030, and maybe even until 2045, initiated within the framework of the Russian presidency.

At the same time, I would like to emphasize that when preparing relevant strategic documents, our Union may be interested in the experience of implementing some initiatives at the level of our Union State of Belarus and Russia, which the President of Kazakhstan spoke so much about yesterday at the forum.

At the same time, I would like to warn all of us against getting too involved in strategic planning. We know how to do this, it's simple. At the very least, this useful work should not cancel or replace the practical activities aimed at implementing the goals and objectives of the EAEU Treaty, which are already being carried out by the member States and the Commission. There are a lot of specific issues that need to be addressed, they are on the surface.

Dear colleagues, I am convinced that through joint efforts we will be able to fully realize the potential of our Union, both within the Union and on the external circuit, and thus we will be able to create one of the full-fledged responsible centers of the new multipolar world.

Thank you for your attention.

Vladimir Putin: Thank you very much.

Please, Kasym-Zhomart Kemelevich, Kazakhstan.

K.-Zh.: Dear Heads of State, dear friends!

I would like to express my gratitude to President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin for organizing this summit and, of course, for the traditionally warm welcome. And this time the reception was exceptionally warm.

I welcome the leaders of the member states of the Eurasian Economic Union, the heads of observer states, as well as our friends and partners in the CIS and the SCO.

Dear colleagues!

Geopolitical shocks have a significant impact on the economic situation around the world. This year, on average, international financial institutions have cut their forecasts for the global economy almost twice. However, despite the pressure of external factors, our cooperation within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Union shows positive dynamics. The participating countries maintain macroeconomic stability, increase economic growth rates and mutual trade volumes.

For my part, I would like to note that over the years of the Eurasian Economic Union's activity, Kazakhstan's trade turnover with other member countries of the Union has grown by 74 percent, while exports have grown by 98 percent. We consider this to be a good indicator. Large-scale joint infrastructure projects are being implemented, industrial cooperation is developing, a common market for services is being formed, and the share of national currencies in mutual settlements is increasing. The Development Strategy until 2025 is being systematically implemented. All this demonstrates the high level and wide range of integration cooperation of the participating countries.

At the same time, in the current geo – economic conditions, more effective development of the Union's potential, so to speak, bridging bottlenecks, is our common priority.

We will have to fully implement all the tasks set during its creation. At the same time, despite the objective achievements, it is important to prevent dizziness from success.

There is a lot of work ahead. First of all, we are talking about the full implementation of the first of the four freedoms – the freedom of movement of goods. This means creating a single, truly barrier-free market and ensuring unhindered transit of goods to third countries. I believe that the full achievement of these goals should be a key area of work of the governments and the Eurasian Economic Commission.

I am sure that at this stage of integration development, we should move away from the tactics of making targeted decisions, situational agreements and manual management. We need a full-fledged, systematically functioning internal market of the Union. Only in this case will national businesses and foreign partners fully believe in the potential of the Union.

Further. It is important to work together to expand sales markets for our exporters ' products. One of the key goals of creating the Union is to obtain the most favorable trade conditions from third countries based on a strong coordinated joint position.

It is important to continue a systematic dialogue with integration associations and countries with which cooperation is of economic interest to us.

The Commission will promptly complete the work on concluding a free trade area agreement with the United Arab Emirates, India, Egypt, Indonesia, and Israel. We should qualitatively strengthen our cooperation with the SCO, ASEAN, MERCOSUR and other international organizations. I think that the interest in cooperation on the part of these organizations is mutual.

The following. The development and formalization of the observer institution at the Union is seen as important. This institution should become a mechanism for effective and mutually beneficial cooperation. That is, interaction with relevant rights and obligations regarding market access, compliance with general rules, technical requirements, and other issues.

The Commission will work out the possibility of observer states joining individual treaties within the Union, as well as the possibility of their participation in specific cooperation and infrastructure projects. I think our partners will be particularly interested in cooperation in the energy, agriculture, transport and logistics sectors.

I believe that the Commission needs to update the relevant list of contracts and projects. It would be correct to define the procedure for the participation of third countries in certain projects of the Eurasian Economic Union. The implementation of such mechanisms will contribute to the development of our integration association as a pole of economic attraction in the entire Eurasian space.

The next direction is industrial development.

To strengthen cooperation in this area, we have started implementing a number of multilateral cooperation projects and interstate programs. A good example is our successful cooperation with our Russian and Belarusian colleagues on the interstate program of remote sensing of the Earth.

There are other developments, but the world and competitors do not stand still, so we need to join forces. In this regard, we positively assess the decisions taken today on mechanisms for maximum financial assistance to joint projects, which is a practical step in the right direction.

In the current geopolitical situation, Kazakhstan, taking into account its geography and capabilities, is ready to act as a center for the development of Eurasian industrial cooperation and integration. These may include joint ventures for the production of electric vehicles, mainline locomotives, railcars, agricultural and passenger vehicles, construction materials, and chemical products. Much of the above is already under practical development.

We are also ready to implement joint projects for the development of ferrous and non-ferrous metal deposits with further processing and production of finished products. I would also like to mention our successful cooperation in these areas with the Russian Federation. Just in the last couple of years, major projects have been implemented for the production of trucks, mainline diesel and electric locomotives, products for the railway industry, and the production of tires. A number of major projects are still on the way.

Another important direction in further integration development may be the creation of new international transport arteries. I am confident that our economic union will eventually become a link between Europe and Asia, the global South and North.

We welcome the intentions of the Russian Federation to form corridors towards China, India, Pakistan, Iran, the Middle East and South-East Asia.

I believe that there is an understanding of the need to develop the North – South transport corridor in conjunction with the Trans-Caspian route. In this regard, Kazakhstan will act as a reliable logistics hub of the Eurasian Economic Union, using all its capabilities and resources.

As substantive initiatives, we propose to launch high-speed freight trains along the 2,873 – kilometer Chelyabinsk – Bolashak-Iran railway. To do this, you can use the existing infrastructure of the North-South transport corridor with the creation of a cargo consolidating center in Chelyabinsk.

We are ready to reconstruct the bottlenecks in our Beineu-Mangistau railway network and on the Beineu-Shalkar highway section. Kazakhstan, of course, will do this based on the understanding of the commonality of our efforts to create an appropriate cargo flow.

The construction of the Bakhty – Ayagoz railway is a good example of our mutually beneficial cooperation. Its launch will significantly increase the capacity of both Kazakhstan and Russia in the direction of China.

The possibility of joint investments in the construction of infrastructure in the sea and dry ports of Iran and Turkmenistan could also be considered. This will significantly expand the export geography of the member states and strengthen our logistics capabilities.

Along with the development of physical infrastructure, it is extremely important to develop substantive solutions for creating a common digital transit system for goods. It should be reliable but easy to use and based on advanced digital technologies.

It is necessary to solve the issues of using electronic seals, guarantee systems for operational information exchange, as well as the development of the "Single Window"system. These measures will create a common digital multimodal corridor that will speed up the flow of goods and optimize supply chains.

There are great opportunities for joint work in the areas of digitalization, tourism, and the agro-industrial complex. Here, our countries have achieved good results at the national level, but there are not enough integration projects.

In general, I believe that the Eurasian Economic Union has proved its necessity and effectiveness in both calm and crisis times. It is important to consistently and systematically realize its huge potential for the benefit of our countries.

This is fundamentally important, because economic integration is primarily a key tool for achieving economic growth and the well-being of our citizens. Accordingly, the success or failure of integration efforts will be measured very simply: businesses and citizens should feel that they are working and living better as a result of the Union's work. Only in this case will they give the authorities a mandate of confidence for further integration steps.

Therefore, Kazakhstan's vision for the development of the Union is a consistent increase in the economic potential of our countries, i.e. projects, technologies, jobs, taxes.

I am absolutely confident that through joint efforts we will successfully fulfill all the tasks set before us and bring the Eurasian Economic Union to a higher trajectory of development.

In conclusion, I would like to make one more comment on what I consider to be an important issue. Next year marks the tenth anniversary of our association, and we will actually meet for an anniversary summit. I believe that this landmark event should be a good occasion for a detailed analysis of the path taken and determining the future strategic prospects of the Union.

In this regard, I propose to instruct the Commission to prepare a report on the first stage of Eurasian integration for the next meeting of the Supreme Council. It will present the main results and achievements, as well as specific recommendations for further integration development.

Of course, the tenth anniversary of our integration association is a significant and important milestone that should be celebrated at the appropriate level. It would be symbolic to hold the anniversary meeting in Astana, since the Treaty on the establishment of the Eurasian Union was signed in the capital of Kazakhstan.

I thank my colleagues for their constant understanding, trust, and constructive dialogue.

Vladimir Putin: Thank you very much for your speech and for your suggestions.

Please, Sadyr Nurgozhoyevich Zhaparov, Kyrgyzstan.

S. : Dear Heads of State, Dear participants of the meeting,

Let me welcome you all to Moscow and thank the distinguished President of the Russian Federation for the warm welcome and the high level of organization of our work.

Just recently, we met in Moscow on the occasion of the holy holiday of the Great Victory Day, and today we are meeting on the occasion of the first meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council and the second Eurasian Economic Forum this year.

The start of the Eurasian Economic Forum as a new dialogue platform for discussing topical issues of Eurasian integration and prospects for its development was given exactly one year ago in Bishkek. Then I expressed the hope that this format will be successful and will take its rightful place in the international arena.

Yesterday, we witnessed the expansion of the geography of forum participants, constructive exchange of views, and lively dialogue. I am convinced that we are moving in the right direction. I have no doubt that the forum will result in new joint approaches to the further development of Eurasian integration.

Dear colleagues!

The current political and economic turbulence creates new challenges and tests the strength of not only countries, but also integration associations, and our Union is no exception in this sense. Nevertheless, in the face of the negative impact of external factors, we manage to work together to maintain sufficient economic activity.

Thus, according to the results of the first quarter of this year, the volume of agricultural production in the Union increased by almost three percent, the volume of construction work performed increased by nine percent, and investment in fixed assets increased by 4.3 percent. In January – April of this year, the volume of gross domestic product of the Kyrgyz Republic increased by 4.4 percent, and the volume of industrial production-by 4.6 percent. Kyrgyzstan's foreign trade grew by 25.4 percent in January-March 2023.

Thanks to the well-coordinated work and cooperation of our countries, we manage to successfully promote the integration agenda within our Union. A huge amount of analytical and applied work has been done to implement the strategic directions of the Eurasian economic integration until 2025. I consider it necessary to translate the existing developments and conclusions of analytical reports into practical terms. Some of them should be reflected in the new strategy of integration cooperation for the period up to 2030 and 2045.

Dear Heads of State,

Today, we are laying a solid foundation for the development of industrial cooperation and import substitution. The signing of the Protocol on Amendments to the Union Treaty in terms of providing financial assistance to joint cooperation projects in industrial sectors will increase the volume of joint production, stimulate investment growth and create additional jobs. We must continue to expand the financial assistance mechanism that is being created, using stable sources of financing, including revenue from import customs duties.

This tool can also be used to support the implementation of cooperation projects in other areas of the economy, such as agriculture, transport and logistics infrastructure, innovation and energy.

In the field of transport and logistics infrastructure, I would like to focus on the need to develop new infrastructure for transport corridors, in particular in the North – South and East – West directions.

Last year, the list of priority infrastructure integration projects in the transport sector was approved. It is necessary to step up efforts to expand this list, taking into account long-term prospects, as well as create conditions for their successful implementation, including in terms of their financing.

At the same time, I suggest paying special attention to ensuring access to transport corridors for the EEU countries that do not have access to the sea.

At the same time, to increase the speed of delivery of goods, I consider it important to create an ecosystem of multimodal transport with digitization of all goods transport accompanying documents.

Dear colleagues!

The current geo-economic world order requires us to implement effective solutions to maintain and increase the volume of mutual and foreign trade. One of these solutions is to minimize control measures at the internal borders of the EAEU and increase regulatory transparency.

To this end, an Agreement on the use of Navigation Seals in the Union was signed and entered into force, which will also eliminate the risks of illegal movement of goods and increase the transit attractiveness of the EAEU member States.

The success of the implementation of this agreement will be measured as the goals set out in it are achieved, including creating an enabling environment for fair business, eliminating unnecessary barriers and bureaucracy in the implementation of control measures. I hope that the Governments of our "five" countries will make every effort to achieve this goal.

Dear Heads of State,

We are going through a difficult time and an uncertain external economic environment. This is a time not only for change, but also for mutual support and complementarity, rather than creating sectoral obstacles, especially barriers.

Last year showed how much we can pull together in a difficult situation to achieve common goals. This is proved by the joint measures we have taken to maintain macroeconomic stability. As they say, it is easier to prevent than to treat. It is easy to close from each other, then it is difficult to open.

I consider it necessary to strengthen cooperation between the state bodies of our countries through the exchange of experience and necessary information. At the same time, the Commission should assist State agencies in identifying and preventing obstacles in areas where unified regulation is applied, as well as in working to strengthen the capacity of national services and bodies. I believe that this approach will reduce the level of barrier heat.

Migration is the most important area on the way to creating favorable conditions within the framework of ensuring the four freedoms in the Union. I believe that working citizens of our countries should have easier conditions for exercising their labor rights on the territory of any of the Union's member States.

Modern technologies make it much easier for our citizens to complete the required administrative procedures in the state of employment. It is necessary to provide citizens with the opportunity to perform the actions required for employment in another country in electronic format, including while in the country of their citizenship.

As a first step, it is proposed to work out the possibility of recognizing the results of a worker's medical examination that was completed in the country of departure for staying in the Russian Federation, similar to the application "Traveling without COVID-19". You can expand its functionality and use it for new needs.

Dear participants of the meeting, in conclusion, I would like to thank all of you for your constructive work and wish the Russian side and Vladimir Vladimirovich personally a successful year of the Russian presidency of the Union's bodies.

On the eve of the Eurasian Economic Union Day, which we will celebrate on May 29, I would like to note that the Eurasian Economic Union continues to demonstrate its effectiveness and ability to find compromise solutions. It remains for us, as the heads of State of the Union, to develop and strengthen our association for the benefit of our States and peoples.

Thank you for your attention!

Vladimir Putin: Thank you very much, Sadyr Nurgozhoyevich!

Dear colleagues!

In accordance with the approved regulations, I will allow myself to continue to give the floor to the heads of the Eurasec observer states – Uzbekistan, and then a video message from the President of Cuba, and after that the floor will be given to the heads of the invited states – Azerbaijan and Tajikistan.

Thank you for adopting such regulations. I am now pleased to give the floor to Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

Please, dear Shavkat Miromonovich, Uzbekistan.

Sh.: Dear Heads of delegations,

I am sincerely glad to welcome the participants of the meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council.

I would like to join my colleagues in expressing my gratitude to the President of the Russian Federation, Mr. Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, for organizing our meeting. Undoubtedly, Russia's effective chairmanship in the EAEU will serve to promote new areas of multi-faceted partnership between our countries.

Dear colleagues!

Uzbekistan, as an observer state at the EAEU, continues to actively participate in multilateral events and projects aimed at developing mutually beneficial trade and economic cooperation within the framework of the association.

First, we have worked together to create favorable conditions, find new growth points and opportunities for expanding trade relations. According to the results of last year, the trade turnover of Uzbekistan with the EAEU countries increased by 23 percent. Steady growth dynamics are also observed this year.

Secondly, we have made serious progress in the field of industrial cooperation. In recent years alone, hundreds of projects and enterprises in priority sectors have been launched in our country with the participation of companies from the association countries.

Third, effective platforms have been created to encourage business dialogue, including by drawing on the potential of our regions. As an example, I would like to mention the international industrial exhibition "Innoprom. Central Asia". In April, it was successfully held for the third time in Tashkent, where more than two thousand companies from our countries were represented. As a result, investment agreements and trade contracts worth over $ 10 billion were concluded.

Fourth, we are strengthening institutional mechanisms, developing close and constructive cooperation with the Eurasian Economic Commission, and taking an active part in the activities of the EAEU bodies.

Within the framework of the three-year joint work plan, more than two hundred events were held to harmonize legislation with international standards, exchange experience in regulating the economy, and eliminate barriers that hinder the development of mutually beneficial cooperation in the trade, economic, transport and communication spheres.

Uzbekistan has joined individual programs and sectoral projects in the field of trade facilitation, as well as in the field of transport, agriculture, ecology and tourism. Our immediate plans include holding the next meeting of the joint working group in August of this year.

However, the analysis of the current situation also shows the presence of a number of constraints and unresolved issues. We are talking about the lack of mechanisms for implementing initiatives of observer states aimed at developing practical cooperation within the association. In addition, issues related to the application of trade restrictions in the EAEU countries, including in relation to the supply of agricultural products, energy carriers and other raw materials, have not been resolved. Projects initiated in the field of transport and logistics, in particular on the accelerated mutual supply of high-quality and affordable food products, are not yet yielding the expected results.

Dear participants of the meeting,

Increasing global challenges, serious gaps in transport and logistics chains, growing risks to food and energy security, and other problems make it necessary to coordinate more closely to address the priority tasks of sustainable socio-economic development of our countries. I hope that this summit will allow us to "compare notes" and identify priority areas for practical cooperation.

First. Uzbekistan is ready to continue working together to simplify trade procedures and create conditions for a radical increase in the volume of trade turnover between our countries. We believe that this will be facilitated by the adoption of an agreement on the elimination of technical barriers and mutual recognition of certificates. To this end, Uzbekistan has fully completed preparatory work on the harmonization of national technical regulations with the norms of the EAEU.

We will also continue to work on developing mutual settlements in national currencies.

Second. In our opinion, the integration of electronic platforms and online systems of customs administration, sanitary, phytosanitary and veterinary supervision, as well as certification of the origin of goods will contribute to the expansion of economic cooperation and business contacts. We are ready to hold substantive consultations at the expert level to develop mechanisms for implementing this initiative.

The third. We consider it important to take joint measures to deepen industrial cooperation and localization as an important factor in creating new jobs and creating industrial hubs in the Eurasian space.

We are interested in participating in multilateral programs aimed at providing financial support for the implementation of cooperation projects. This includes the initiative of the business community in the field of reinsurance activities and practical cooperation of national development institutions.

To establish long-term partnership relations at the business level, we also intend to join the activities of the EAEU Business Council.

Fourth. Cooperation in the field of transport and transit is a strategic direction of our partnership. In the current reality, it is important to strengthen joint work on the formation of alternative transport corridors and the creation of sustainable logistics chains.

We support the development of international North-South routes and other highways connecting our region with China, the Middle East and South Asia. We support close coordination in tariff policy issues. We also invite you to join the project office for the implementation of the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan railway construction project.

Fifth. We believe it is important to expand our cooperation in the field of food security. In this context, it is important to encourage active import substitution of agricultural goods and foodstuffs. The products produced in our countries will ensure the full functioning of the "green corridor", including the"Eurasian Agroexpress". [It is important] to support the joint implementation of scientific and applied research and innovation, to fully promote the activities and encourage the development of cooperative ties between representatives of agribusiness in our countries. To this end, we propose to hold an agricultural forum in Uzbekistan in October this year in the "EAEU plus" format with the participation of ministers of agriculture, leading food producers and importers.

Sixth. Uzbekistan is also interested in broader cooperation in training highly qualified specialists, establishing partnerships between universities and vocational education centers, participating in joint projects, and supporting scientific research. We consider it necessary to develop a road map for joint training of highly sought-after personnel in engineering and technical specialties.

Dear participants of the summit,

Once again, I would like to thank my colleagues for supporting Uzbekistan's participation in multilateral partnership programs and projects within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Union. I am convinced that the results of today's meeting will contribute to the development of new areas, forms and mechanisms of mutually beneficial cooperation for the sustainable development and prosperity of our countries.

Thank you for your attention.

Vladimir Putin: Thank you very much, Shavkat Miromonovich.

And now I will ask you to include a video message from Cuban President Miguel Mario Diaz-Canel Bermudez. You are welcome.

: Diaz-Canel Bermudez MiguelPresident of the Republic of Cuba Dear Mr. Putin Vladimir Vladimirovich, President of the Russian Federation!

Dear Heads of delegations and Member States of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council,

Dear friends!

First of all, allow me to express my deepest gratitude to the Government of the Russian Federation. On behalf of the people and Government of Cuba, thank you for inviting us to this new meeting of the Council.

I, like other participants of the meeting, would like to note and congratulate the Russian Federation for its remarkable activity as Chairman of the bodies of the Eurasian Economic Union at the beginning of 2023.

Since our last meeting, the international situation continues to develop according to a deplorable scenario under the influence of a multi-faceted crisis, which is the logical result of an unfair world order that has worsened due to the pandemic and other complex problems.

This economic, social and financial crisis, which is particularly devastating for the poorest countries and the majority of the poor, is constantly growing and worsening, deepening inequality and poverty.

Some economically powerful States, despite mounting accusations and criticism, continue to practice abhorrent and unacceptable policies in order to interfere in the internal affairs of other sovereign countries through unilateral sanctions and media manipulation, thereby causing political destabilization and international isolation of Governments that are committed to the socio-economic development of their societies and a more just world. the world order.

Organizations such as the Eurasian Economic Union confirm that different relations are possible between peoples. Eight years after its inception, the Eurasian Economic Union is actively developing as an integration mechanism and an alternative model that can combine the will of peoples and the means to confront modern global problems such as climate change, lack of funds and poverty.

The importance of this Union is growing at the regional and international level, as evidenced by such tangible results as the growth of trade turnover between its member States and the increasingly frequent use of the national currency in payments.

Dear colleagues!

In this complex and problematic international environment, Cuba remains committed to building a more just world order that takes into account the legitimate interests and development priorities of the countries of the South.

We will work tirelessly to fulfil the honorary responsibility entrusted to us by the members of the Group of 77 plus China as Chair of this important, representative and diverse organization of developing countries during 2023.

As an observer member of the Eurasian Economic Union, Cuba believes that the growing and different needs of our countries can only be met by expanding trade and partnership relations in accordance with the potential of each country. Currently, there is an opportunity to increase mutual exchange between our countries in such areas as food and energy security, investment in industrial and technological development, pharmaceutical and biotechnological industries, training of human resources, and many others.

Our country has extensive and versatile relations with Latin American and Caribbean countries, which would allow it to serve as a bridge for creating strong and profitable ties between the EAEU member states and the countries of both regions. Latin America and the Caribbean have great potential and recognized advantages for intensifying trade and economic cooperation in various fields, as well as rich reserves of strategic natural resources and significant human capital.

Excellencies, dear friends,

Unfortunately, due to the work schedule and other logistical constraints, I won't be able to meet you in Moscow this time. However, I am pleased to inform you that the Cuban delegation headed by Prime Minister of the Republic of Cuba Manuel Marrero Cruz will attend the meeting of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council, which will be held in Sochi in June. We hope that the direct participation of top-level Cuban leaders in this meeting and related events will be fruitful and useful for the exchange of experience with all participating States, which will serve as a basis for new mutually beneficial projects.

I would like to reiterate that it is a priority for Cuba to expand ties with all the member States of the Eurasian Economic Union and that we attach particular importance to the holding of the third meeting of the joint Commission of Cuba and the Eurasian Economic Commission, which will provide an opportunity to assess new potentials and prospects for trade and investment cooperation, as well as.

You can always count on Cuba and its contribution as an observer member of the Eurasian Economic Union to strengthen unity, complementarity and respect for diversity for the development and well-being of our peoples.

Solidary and just relations between all countries guarantee the multipolar peace that our peoples need and want.

Thank you very much!

Vladimir Putin: We would like to thank the President of Cuba for his speech.

I am pleased to give the floor to our guests. I pass this word on to Ilham Aliyev, the President of Azerbaijan, who, I repeat once again, is attending an event of this kind for the first time.

Ilham Heydarovich, please give me the floor.

I. : Dear Vladimir Vladimirovich,

Dear Heads of State,

Dear participants of the meeting,

First of all, I would like to express my gratitude to Russian President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin for inviting me to participate in the summit of the Eurasec member States as a guest.

Azerbaijan's cooperation with the Eurasec member states, with the exception of Armenia, has been developing successfully for 30 years. There are serious prerequisites for the normalization of relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia on the basis of mutual recognition of territorial integrity and sovereignty.

Today, at the initiative of the Russian side, a trilateral meeting of the heads of Russia, Armenia and Azerbaijan will be held.

I would like to inform my colleagues that Azerbaijan's trade turnover with the Eurasec countries increased by 31 percent last year and amounted to $ 4.7 billion. In January – April of this year, the growth of mutual trade increased by another 38 percent. Last year, the share of the Eurasec member countries in Azerbaijan's foreign trade turnover was about 9 percent. We see great potential for further growth of trade turnover.

Azerbaijan is located at the geographical crossroads of the East – West and North – South transport routes. The transport and logistics infrastructure of our country allows you to carry out transportation in any direction.

Azerbaijan has the largest merchant fleet in the Caspian Sea with more than 50 vessels. The sea port of Alat, designed to transport 15 million tons of cargo, will be upgraded in the near future, and the volume of cargo handling will reach 25 million tons. This is especially important given the fact that a large increase in cargo transportation through Azerbaijan has been observed recently.

A modern shipyard has been operating in Baku for several years, which can produce any type of vessel. And I am glad to inform you that Azerbaijan's shipbuilding opportunities are also provided to our Caspian neighbors today, and negotiations and active work are already underway to place orders for our Caspian neighbors at the Baku shipyard.

The Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway provides access to Europe, as well as to the Mediterranean ports of Turkey. Azerbaijan is an important participant in the North – South transport corridor project. We have also initiated the creation of the Zangezur Corridor, which will not only connect the main part of the country with its Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, but will also become part of international railway routes.

There are eight international airports operating in Azerbaijan, two of which – in Fuzuli and Zangilan-were built in the last two years on the lands liberated from occupation. The ninth international airport is under construction in liberated Lachin and will be commissioned in 2025.

Our country has one of the largest air cargo fleets in the region with a cargo turnover of more than 500 thousand tons per year. Azerbaijan's economy has been showing stability and growth for almost the entire period of independence. We have achieved full economic independence, which is an important factor in the ability to pursue an independent foreign policy course, which we are successfully doing.

Azerbaijan has been successfully chairing the Non-Aligned Movement, which unites 120 states and is the second largest international institution after the UN, for about four years.

Azerbaijan's economy is self-sufficient and does not need external support. Over the past 20 years, our country's gross domestic product has more than tripled, and the poverty rate has fallen from almost 50 to 5 percent. External debt is at the level of less than 9 percent of GDP and is declining from year to year. Azerbaijan's foreign exchange reserves exceed the external debt by 10 times.

Today, one of the main tasks that we face is the diversification of our exports. As for economic diversification, this issue is being successfully resolved: most of the Azerbaijani economy is already formed in the non-primary sector. As for our exports, we still need to work actively to increase exports of the non-primary sector.

Although the unemployment rate is only five percent, demographic growth – and Azerbaijan's population has grown from seven million to ten million over the past 30 years-requires active efforts to create new jobs.

Of course, we expect to strengthen our active cooperation with the Eurasec member states both in a bilateral format, which we are successfully doing, and in a multilateral format.

As already mentioned, this is my first time participating in the work of the Eurasec summit, although we meet with the heads of the Eurasec member states regularly both within the framework of the CIS summits and in a bilateral format. So even though it's my first time participating as a guest, I'm definitely not a guest here. We already had the opportunity to talk today, and our communication will continue.

In conclusion, Mr President, I would like to once again express my gratitude to you for the invitation, as well as to all our colleagues for supporting this invitation.

Thank you.

Vladimir Putin: Thank you very much.

Indeed, in the bilateral format, Azerbaijan's economic relations with our member countries of the organization are constantly growing and are important for all of us – both for Azerbaijan and for each member country of the organization.

As well as relations with Tajikistan.

Emomali Sharipovich Rakhmon, please have the floor.

: Thank you.

Dear colleagues!

First of all, I would like to thank the President of the Russian Federation, Mr. Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, for inviting me to participate in the meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council as a guest.

The member States and observers of the Eurasian Economic Union are traditional partners of Tajikistan. We are interested in consistently strengthening bilateral cooperation with your countries in all areas of mutual interest.

Tajikistan has close trade and economic ties with most of the Eurasec member and observer countries. The total volume of trade is stable and growing from year to year. The share of the Union countries in Tajikistan's foreign trade turnover amounted to more than 42 percent last year. We export almost half of the total export volume of domestically produced goods to the Union countries.

We are ready to further increase the export of our goods to the Eurasec countries, especially non-ferrous, rare and precious metals, textiles, cotton, as well as vegetables and fruits.

The transport sector plays an important role in our cooperation with the Eurasec countries. In this direction, we should pay attention to the existing problems that we need to solve together. This is primarily due to the limited capacity of border crossings between our countries. There is also a need for new road and rail communications, including rolling stock, to perform transportation in conditions of an imbalance in the volume of cargo traffic.

It should be borne in mind that in the context of trade liberalization and the removal of barriers to the free movement of goods, the requirements for transport services, in particular for the speed, reliability and quality of transportation, are also increasing. To this end, we are implementing serious institutional reforms in Tajikistan. Since mid-2020, our country has switched to a "single window" system for processing export, import and transit operations. We intend to further increase transport and communication cooperation with the Eurasec countries.

Another important area of our cooperation with the Eurasec countries is the agricultural sector. Tajikistan has a huge potential for growing high-quality, environmentally friendly agricultural products. The annual growth of the gross output of the agricultural sector of our country is not less than seven to eight percent. This creates the necessary basis for increasing the export of organic agricultural products.

The Eurasec countries are a traditional market for this type of product in Tajikistan. At the same time, the existing difficulties in registration procedures, transportation and customs clearance, and double certification are serious obstacles to the uninterrupted supply of these products to the market of the Union countries.

In this regard, we consider it necessary to jointly work out and implement mechanisms to simplify the supply of agricultural products from Tajikistan to the markets of the Eurasec countries, including through the creation of logistics centers in our country.

Dear colleagues!

There are great prospects for cooperation in the field of industrial production and cooperation. This is especially true in the oil and gas and chemical industries, mining and metallurgy, mechanical engineering and electronics, light and textile, food and pharmaceutical industries, as well as the production of building materials.

The five-year program for accelerated industrial development of Tajikistan for the period up to 2025 provides for an increase in the level of production in this area by 2.5 times. Therefore, we are interested in establishing joint ventures and industrial parks in these industrial sectors with our partners, including the Union countries.

The sustainable course of "green" development chosen by us creates conditions for the development of industries based on these principles. In this context, it is necessary to cooperate with the countries of the Union in the field of hydropower. We are consistently developing ways to efficiently use renewable energy sources, especially hydropower.

I believe that the joint development of our country's hydropower potential is mutually beneficial, which, of course, can become a factor in the development of a "green" economy in the region.

Cooperation in the development of digitalization and artificial intelligence, banking and financial markets is also promising. Establishing cooperation in these areas…

Vladimir Putin: Emomali Sharipovich, we haven't heard your final words. If you can, please repeat the very end.

Emomali Rahmon: Establishing cooperation in these areas contributes to the formation of new growth points and increasing the investment attractiveness of our economies.

Cooperation based on common interests is a priority of our actions on the regional agenda, and we are determined to adhere to it in the future.

Thank you for your attention.

Vladimir Putin: Thank you very much, dear Emomali Sharipovich!

As I have already said, we are actively developing bilateral relations with both Azerbaijan and Tajikistan, so connecting them in such a multilateral format will certainly be beneficial. Ultimately, Tajikistan and Azerbaijan will make decisions about how deeply to participate in the work of our organization. The same applies in full to Uzbekistan.

Thank you very much to our colleagues for our joint work today and for your participation in this work.

I give the floor to the Chairman of the Commission…

Nikol Pashinyan: I'm sorry, Mr President, may I?

Vladimir Putin: Yes, please, please.

Nikol Pashinyan: I have a small line. In his speech, the Azerbaijani President used an expression that in recent years has served as a title for making territorial claims against Armenia. I want to say that this is used in the framework of implementing the ninth paragraph of the trilateral statement of November 9, 2020. I want to emphasize that this statement refers only to one corridor – the Lachin corridor, which was supposed to be under the control of Russian peacekeepers, but, unfortunately, was illegally blocked by Azerbaijan.

On the other hand, I want to confirm the readiness of the Republic of Armenia to unblock all transport and economic ties in the region and communications that pass through the territory of the Republic of Armenia, which we call the "Armenian crossroads". We are ready to open regional communications within the sovereignty and jurisdiction of the countries through which they pass. I am referring to the links and transport and economic links provided for in the ninth paragraph of the trilateral statement of November 9, 2020 and the trilateral statement of January 11, 2021.

Thank you.

Vladimir Putin: Thank you very much.

But what I heard from President Aliyev's speech – he was just saying that conditions are being created in connection with the recognition of the relevant borders, confirmed by the relevant agreements since 1991, and these conditions give reason to believe that appropriate agreements can be reached between Armenia and Azerbaijan, including on the issue of border security. transport communications.

I am very pleased to note that the Prime Minister of Armenia also said that Armenia also thinks in this regard, believes that it is possible, thinks positively.

I think we could discuss all this at a trilateral meeting today. I hope that we will be able to reach an agreement on what is clearly in the interests of economic development for both Azerbaijan and Armenia, and for the entire region. I think we will have time to discuss all this in detail in a trilateral format.

I. Aliyev: Can I have a few words? Of course, I don't want to open the discussion, but just because it was accused that we have territorial claims against Armenia, I want to say that we have no such claims. You have to do a very good job or have a very wild imagination in order to see territorial claims in my words.

As for the word "corridor "that I used, I also used it for the North – South corridor, and the same word is also used for the East – West corridor.

The name "corridor" is in no way an encroachment on someone's territory. This is an international term, and I think people who are familiar with international terminology probably would not attach to it the meaning that the Armenian Prime Minister attaches today.

As Vladimir Vladimirovich also noted, I believe that there are opportunities to reach a peace agreement, especially taking into account the fact that Armenia has officially recognized Karabakh as part of Azerbaijan.

Thank you.

Nikol Pashinyan: I apologize, Mr Putin, but I must emphasize that all people who are familiar with the text of the trilateral statement of November 9, 2020, know that there is only one case of using the word "corridor" in this statement, and in this context this word has a special meaning. This is about the Lachin corridor, which, I repeat, should be – according to the trilateral statement-under the control of the Russian Federation and provide a link between Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia. But, unfortunately, Azerbaijan illegally blocked this corridor in the presence of Russian peacekeepers.

On the other hand, I want to confirm that Armenia and Azerbaijan have agreed on mutual recognition of each other's territorial integrity, and on this basis, we can say that we are moving quite well towards a settlement in our relations.

I would also like to mention a very important issue in this context – the issue of the rights and security of the residents of Nagorno-Karabakh. I hope that a normal and constructive dialogue between Baku and Stepanakert will soon begin within the framework of the international mechanism.

Thank you.

Vladimir Putin: Thank you very much.

I. Aliyev: Mr President, I'm sorry, of course, but the Armenian Prime Minister's words were again used as an accusation. As you may have noticed, there were no accusations in my words either during the speech or during the remark. But I can't just leave it unanswered.

I understand that we are taking the discussion somewhat in a different direction, although I think that many people are interested in this, but I ask you to simply answer and say that Azerbaijan has not blocked any corridor.

As for the Lachin – Khankendi road, it is open. A border checkpoint has been established on the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, which you recognize, in accordance with all international standards. This border checkpoint is located 20 meters from the post of the Russian peacekeeping contingent, and today, through this border checkpoint, residents of Azerbaijan of Armenian nationality who live in Karabakh move freely towards Armenia, there are no obstacles, including patients who are transported through the Red Cross, as well as those who live in Karabakh. and ambulances from Khankendi city. Any unbiased person, of course, should see this, and I think that there is no need to try to use the podium for unfounded accusations.

As for the corridor I mentioned, the Zangezur corridor, if you listen carefully to my speech, it says that Azerbaijan initiated the creation of the Zangezur corridor. It is our right to initiate anything that we consider right, legitimate, reasonable, and that, by the way, is supported by the Russian Federation and other parties involved in the process of settling relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Nikol Pashinyan: Very interesting. Thank you.

Vladimir Vladimirovich, I apologize.

It is very interesting to know that Russia supports the project you mentioned. To be honest, this is the first time I've heard about it. I know that Russia supports the opening of all transport and economic communications in our region.

You said: "Lachin road". According to our trilateral statement, the Lachin Road does not exist. There is the Lachin corridor, which, according to the trilateral statement that the three of us signed, should be under the control of the Russian peacekeeping forces. In other words, no one else in this corridor should have any control, and what is happening there is a direct violation of the trilateral statement.

You said the corridor was open. We do not see this, we do not think so, so we consider it important that an international mission be sent both to the Lachin corridor and to Nagorno-Karabakh, which would assess the humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh.

I must say that, unfortunately, we have been experiencing a humanitarian crisis there since December, because the closure of the Lachin corridor creates barriers for the supply of necessary products. This is a very serious situation. Both gas and electricity were closed from Azerbaijan, I mean gas and electricity that enter Nagorno-Karabakh.

Vladimir Vladimirovich, you know this very well, because we have repeatedly spoken about it. I'm sorry, but it turns out that we…

Vladimir Putin: I will allow myself to react. Our colleagues expressed their position and stated that this is important for them. I want to say this at the end of this part. It seems to me that the terminology that the three of us, at least, know very well about is called "legal technique"in other words. "Corridor", "road", etc. are important – and there are certain contradictions here.

But what is much more important is what you just said – both the President of Azerbaijan and the Prime Minister of Armenia-that there are also agreements of a fundamental nature on the issue of territorial integrity. This is indeed the basis for reaching agreement on other issues of a secondary nature, although they are also of significant importance.

We will now have the opportunity, as we agreed, to discuss everything calmly and in a businesslike manner in a trilateral format and, I hope, reach some agreements that will put the situation not only between Armenia and Azerbaijan, but also in the region as a whole, on the path of constructive development.

I want to assure you that everyone here is absolutely interested in this. Alexander Grigoryevich [Lukashenko] spoke about this quite convincingly today in a closed format. Because after all, what can I say, these are all former republics of the Soviet Union, we lived in a single family of peoples. Unfortunately, we have many contradictions, including armed conflicts. And in Russia, the same thing is happening in a certain direction. Therefore, all this is very sensitive, all this is connected with human tragedies. We are all interested in seeing these problems resolved.

As for this situation, I repeat once again, we will have the opportunity to talk in a trilateral format. In this regard, I am also grateful to the President of Azerbaijan for coming, and to the Prime Minister of Armenia for not blocking this visit, and that we have all gathered to discuss these sensitive issues.

I. Aliyev: We can't go any further, right?

Vladimir Putin: Please, if possible, I would ask you to stop there.

I have already said that I would like to give the floor to Mikhail Vladimirovich Myasnikovich on the agenda and draft decisions.

You are welcome.

Mikhail Myasnikovich: Thank you.

Dear Heads of State,

Thank you for your relevant proposals, which the [Eurasian Economic] Commission will strive to implement together with the member States of the Eurasian Economic Union.

Three draft protocols on amendments and additions to the Treaty on the Eurasian Economic Union related to financing, industrial cooperation, improvement of public procurement, the use of electronic digital signatures, the use of emergency phytosanitary measures and other relevant decisions that were discussed today have been prepared for your attention in accordance with the established procedure for signing.

11 other relevant decisions and orders on other important areas of integration have also been prepared for signing.

The issues of the extended part of the meeting were considered and approved at the meetings of the Board and the Council of the Commission, the Intergovernmental Council, and if you have no objections, please accept the issues of the extended part and sign the relevant decisions. The documents are ready for signing, please accept this offer.

I would like to take this opportunity to once again thank the President of the Russian Federation, Chairman of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council, Mr. Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, for the high organization and holding of the meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council and the Second Eurasian Economic Forum. And many thanks to all of you, dear heads of state!

Thank you.

Vladimir Putin: Do you have any questions for Mikhail Vladimirovich? No?

Please proceed with signing.

(Document signing ceremony.)

Vladimir Putin: Dear colleagues, Friends!

I want to thank you for working together. In my opinion, it was very productive. In the informal part, we were able to talk very frankly about a very wide range of issues that were even beyond the agenda of our meeting today. I hope that we will continue to work in the same mode.

I would like to once again thank our colleagues who participate in our work as guests or observers.

I am sure that the interest in joint activities on this track will only increase, because, indeed, our economies are linked quite tightly based on our common infrastructure ties, based on cooperation in the field of industry and agriculture, based on mutual interest in further opening up markets, in improving our overall competitiveness, related to the development of the economy of the country. movement of goods, services, and capital.

In my opening speech, I spoke about our future joint work in the field of culture, education, and science. This is all that makes up the future of our countries and peoples. And by working together, we are certainly solving the most important task for any country, for any government, namely, improving the well-being of our peoples. I am confident that if we act as effectively as we have done so far, even in the face of international economic turbulence, we will succeed on this path.

Thank you very much. And all the best!

Several other key meetings in the VK archives from earlier this year will soon appear here that will help further fill out readers understanding about Russia’s direction.

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