EEU: a new geo-economic reality emerges today, Nazarbayev
"I have no doubts that it is a continuation of the great chronicle of friendship, good neighborhood and mutual support of Kazakhstan, Belarus and Russia. We have to jointly realize the potential of the Eurasian integration in the 21st century," Kazakh Leader Nursultan Nazarbayev said at the signing ceremony of the Eurasian Economic Union Treaty on May 29, 2014 in Astana. He also reminded that the initiative to form the EEU was voiced 20 years ago at the Moscow State University. Even at that time the Kazakh President's idea stirred great interest in the post-Soviet space and the world at large. The idea of Eurasianism, the need of Eurasian integration was without bias stipulated by centuries-long history of the huge region. According to the Kazakh President, the Eurasian initiative has always took into consideration that independence and political sovereignty are of top priority for all member countries of the integration progress. Mentioning as an instance the development rates that show positive influence of the Customs Union and Single Economic Space, the initial integration stages, on the economies of Kazakhstan, Russia and Belarus, the President stressed that the Eurasian initiative changed the character and gave an impetus to the intra-CIS integration processes. The CSTO, and the Eurasian Economic Community established back to 2000 group today above 40 interstate bodies. The Eurasian initiative has its influence also on foreign relations beyond the limits of its initial geographic scope, there were founded the SCO and CICA. The day of signing the Eurasian Economic Union Treaty the Head of State said that this integration alliance representing one of the largest consumer markets of the globe is the leading energy exporter. This alliance guarantees independence of its member countries. "Thus there emerges a new geo-economic reality of the 21st century. Integration guarantees us no ideal life. We will face new challenges and new tasks. We have to be ready to solve them together and join hands in an effort to overcome any crises," the Kazakh Leader said.