MINSK, 19 January (BelTA) – The Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) sees economic cooperation as its priority in relations with Ukraine, Chairman of the Executive Committee - CIS Executive Secretary Sergei Lebedev told journalists on 19 January, BelTA has learned.
“Economic cooperation is our priority because everyone wants to preserve the economic ties. We very much hope that the situation in Ukraine will stabilize. The Minsk talks will contribute to this,” Sergei Lebedev said. At the same time, he pointed out that further trade and economic cooperation with Ukraine will be considered in the context of this country's association with the European Union.
“All the countries of the CIS are interested, first of all, in an early establishment of peace and restoration of stability in Ukraine. Secondly, we would like Ukraine to remain a CIS member,” Sergei Lebedev said.
He also stressed that Ukrainian representatives continue to attend sessions of the CIS supreme bodies and sectoral councils. “However, I must admit that now this happens less frequently than in previous years. They often attend our meetings in the capacity of observers. Sometimes they come up with specific proposals and participate in discussions that are primarily related to Ukraine,” Sergei Lebedev said.
