MINSK, 19 May (BelTA) – The member states of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) will hold additional consultations with Cuba before granting it an observer status in the Union. The decision was taken at a videoconference meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council on 19 May, BelTA has learned.
According to Chairman of the Board of the Eurasian Economic Commission Mikhail Myasnikovich, Cuba shows a big interest in cooperation with the EAEU virtually since the establishment of the association. Since 2018, the Cuban government has been cooperating with the EEC on the basis of a memorandum of understanding. The issue of granting the country an observer status has already been discussed twice by the Commission.
“Belarus, Kyrgyzstan and Armenia agree to grant an observer status to Cuba. Kazakhstan has favored further consultations with Cuba. Russia also suggested holding consultations to clarify all the aspects,” Mikhail Myasnikovich said.
During the summit, the presidents of Kazakhstan and Russia explained their positions. According to the Kazakhstan president, Havana does not yet have a full understanding of the status and rights of the EAEU observer state. In addition, he believes it is necessary to develop criteria for the status of an observer in general so that the countries do not have any illusions that with its acquisition they can claim all the privileges and benefits in the EAEU. “It is necessary to clearly determine rights and obligations, as is done in all international organizations,” Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said.
Vladimir Putin said that Russia generally supports Cuba's application, but wants to understand the expectations of Cuban friends from obtaining an observer status in the EAEU.
