MINSK, 17 February (BelTA) - The CIS member states are ready to provide all possible assistance in achieving the goals of Kazakhstan's presidency in the CIS. The matter was discussed at the ministerial consultations on cooperation within the CIS in 2022 in Minsk on 16 February, BelTA learned from the press service of the CIS Executive Committee.
The consultations were attended by representatives of Belarus, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and the CIS Executive Committee. The participants discussed the prospects of expanding foreign policy, economic, humanitarian cooperation, cooperation in security and counteracting new challenges and threats.
Representatives of the foreign ministries praised Belarus' presidency in the CIS in 2021 and expressed confidence in the successful Kazakhstan's presidency this year. The meeting participants confirmed the commitment to consistent development of cooperation in the CIS format, strengthening of the coordination of positions and expansion of the practice of supporting the initiatives of the CIS countries in the international arena, preparation of joint statements on topical issues of the international agenda and ensuring further dynamic development of the CIS.
The participants of the consultations stressed that economic interaction is a key factor in further deepening economic integration and sustainable development of the CIS countries, and emphasized the importance of continuing work on integrating the CIS with the EAEU, the CSTO, and the SCO.
They also emphasized the importance of humanitarian cooperation, which traditionally remains one of the most effective means of building confidence and mutual understanding between the CIS countries. The partners recognized the importance of continuing joint work on implementing the interstate program “CIS Capitals of Culture”, holding thematic years in the CIS, organizing forums of creative and scientific intellectuals, youth and others.
The participants noted the importance of continuing work on mutual recognition of coronavirus vaccination certificates, which will help create favorable conditions for the free movement of citizens of CIS countries. It was noted at the meeting that there are challenges and threats affecting the security situation in the CIS. Taking into account the current situation in Afghanistan the parties agreed to continue ministerial consultations on security issues.
They confirmed the importance of the work of the CIS Observation Mission at presidential and parliamentary elections and referendums in the CIS countries.
Representatives of the foreign ministries also noted the importance of speedy completion of the draft agreement on free trade in services, the launch of the CIS Commission on Human Rights and the formation of a mechanism for regular meetings of commissioners for children's rights of the CIS states.
The participants of the meeting also summarized the results of the implementation of the 2021 plan of multilevel ministerial consultations and the action program to intensify the partnership between the foreign ministries, and discussed a number of other issues.
