Lukashenko supports initiative to hold forum of regions of CIS states

Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko supports the initiative in favor of holding a forum of regions of the Commonwealth of Independent States. The head of state made the relevant statement at a CIS summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, BelTA has learned.

Aleksandr Lukashenko mentioned with satisfaction that an agreement on trade in services and on making investments has been signed within the framework of the Commonwealth of Independent States this year.

“I am convinced that it is a timely and important document. Bearing in mind these documents and in continuation of previously adopted documents, I suggest stepping up the work on expanding interregional economic cooperation. Shavkat Miromonovich [Mirziyoyev, Uzbekistan President] said it right today: if we don't stand in the way of regions but help them a bit instead, they will resolve many problems without us.”

“It is our unconditional potential that is in demand. We have the relevant experience,” the Belarusian leader said. “The initiative put forward by the Republic of Uzbekistan earlier in favor of holding a CIS forum of regions is relevant and needs to be implemented in practice as fast as possible. It should become a priority task. The CIS states have the necessary experience and accomplishments in the bilateral format.”

Aleksandr Lukashenko pointed out that Russia will preside over the Commonwealth of Independent States during the next period and during this period heads of regions will be able to get together and start working. It will be a good event, he noted.

Written by belta.by