CIS heads of state to discuss declaration on strategic economic cooperation in Ashgabat
«The idea of the document was suggested by Turkmenistan, the presiding country. Experts have looked into the matter and prepared a draft declaration,» Agybay Smagulov said.
In his words, the CIS is an area where large transport, energy and logistics projects are implemented. «For example, a big logistics center is being built in Belarus' Orsha. Similar projects are implemented near Kazan, Russia. Virtually all Caspian bordering countries are building their big logistics centers. The implementation of the Western Europe-Western China highway project is underway. Rail freight transport ply between China and Europe across Kazakhstan, Russia, and Belarus. North-South and East-West projects are implemented as well,» the CIS Executive Committee vice chairman said.
The declaration on strategic economic cooperation proves that the CIS states are interested in developing cross-border intercontinental projects. «We are open to cooperation. The CIS Charter envisages the participation of both the post-Soviet countries and other states that show interest in joining the organization. I hope that the declaration will be adopted in Ashgabat,» he added.
According to Agybay Smagulov, the statement of the heads of
state to the peoples of the CIS member states and the world community in connection
with the 75th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War will be adopted
at the meeting of the CIS Heads of State Council. The agenda of the meeting
will also include the discussion of the CIS presidency in 2020. «At the
previous CIS summit, Uzbekistan expressed readiness to take over the presidency
in the organization in 2020. We expect the corresponding decision will be taken
at the CIS forthcoming summit,» he said.