Mishustin stated Russia's desire to develop economic ties with CIS countries

Russia is interested in strengthening economic and humanitarian ties with the countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said on December 12.

"We are interested in strengthening historically established economic and humanitarian ties. The share of the Commonwealth states in Russia's foreign trade has grown to 16%. And our mutual trade turnover for three quarters of this year has added more than 11%," he said at a meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of Government in Moscow.

According to Mishustin, within the framework of its presidency in the Commonwealth Russia focused on the realization of the first stage of the economic development strategy of the association. In this regard, work is being done to ensure food and energy security, to expand industrial cooperation, to stimulate business activity and digitalization.

In addition, an action plan for the development of international transport corridors is being implemented, as well as a system of logistics centers, hubs and terminals is being created, said the head of the Russian government.

Earlier, October 13, Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matvienko called friendly interaction between the CIS countries a guarantee of strength and equality. She drew attention to the fact that most international organizations do not have the same equal relations and the right to dictate belongs to a "strong hegemon."

Before that, on October 8, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that interaction within the CIS is a top priority for the Russian Federation. He also pointed to the good GDP growth rates of the Commonwealth countries and the strengthening of trade ties in the association.