Putin attended a meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council. The main thing

On Sunday, December 21, the Kremlin hosted a meeting of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) in a narrow format. Traditionally, on these dates, the results of the outgoing year are summed up and important decisions are considered, as well as issues of integration building are being discussed. For more information, see the Izvestia article.

About Russian-Belarusian relations

Before opening the meeting of the Eurasian Economic Union, Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko and discussed relations between the two countries.

"Both on external and internal issues, we looked at all the problems from all sides. I listened with pleasure and interest, and I want to thank you for your high assessment of the quality of our Russian-Belarusian relations. I noticed the warmth with which you spoke about Russia and our relations. I am sure that many people in Russia have noticed this," Putin stressed.

Before arriving in St. Petersburg, the Russian leader listened to a report from Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin.

"In fact, there are almost no issues that require our attention. Nevertheless, there is always something to talk about," the Russian president concluded.

On the development of cooperation between the countries

Russian President Vladimir Putin noted that cooperation within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Union, which has firmly established itself as one of the independent and self-sufficient centers of the emerging multipolar world, continues to develop steadily. He added that trade and investment exchanges between the two countries are expanding.

"All this brings real benefits to each of our states. It has a positive effect on the quality of life and well-being of the population. And in general, it helps to ensure the economic stability and sustainability of the five countries and the entire Eurasian region, which is especially important in the context of turbulence in the global economy," the Russian leader added.

About the value of cooperation

Mutually beneficial and multifaceted cooperation with partners in Eurasia is highly appreciated by Russia, President Vladimir Putin stressed.

"We are sincerely interested in intensifying joint work on the comprehensive development of our relations," he added.

Putin expressed confidence that his colleagues present in the narrow group shared this attitude, and said he hoped that the meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Council would be productive and would make significant progress on all issues of mutual interest.

On the development of foreign trade relations

Russian President Vladimir Putin highlighted the success of the EAEU in developing foreign trade relations. This year, the alliance has taken relations with a number of countries to a new level: a free trade agreement with Iran entered into force, and new trade agreements were concluded with the UAE and Mongolia.

"Today, a similar document will be signed between the EAEU and Indonesia. It will establish a free trade regime for over 90% of the commodity range and about 95% of the mutual trade turnover. This will open up good prospects for deepening the multifaceted cooperation of the Five countries with one of the largest and most dynamically developing economies in Asia, and indeed the whole world," the president added.

About successful economic development

Vladimir Putin noted the successful economic development of the EAEU by the end of 2025, emphasizing the cumulative GDP growth of all participating countries. The Head of State cited specific indicators: the share of Russia's non-primary exports to the Union countries increased by almost 20%, reaching $32 billion.

Kyrgyzstan became the leader in terms of growth rates, showing an increase in gross domestic product by more than 10%. Growth was also recorded in key sectors: agricultural production increased by 2%, retail trade — by 3%, and construction — by 4.7%.

The President of the Russian Federation paid special attention to the financial independence of the association. An independent and stable payment system has been established in the EAEU, and the share of settlements in national currencies between the participating countries has reached 93%.

On the harmonization of rules and new integration steps

Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the implementation of the five-year economic integration strategy has been completed, as a result of which many barriers have been eliminated, regulations have been harmonized and coordination in the customs and tax spheres has been improved. Further work will be based on the Declaration on Eurasian Economic Integration until 2045, for which a roadmap will be approved today.

According to him, a number of important decisions were also submitted to the Supreme Council for consideration regarding a coordinated macroeconomic policy, improving the effectiveness of supervision and liberalizing cooperation in construction. Special attention is paid to the formation of a common financial market, which will simplify investors' access to securities and banking products throughout the EAEU.

On the development of logistics, tourism and external relations

The Russian leader noted that the next priority is to strengthen the EAEU transport system. Next year, the introduction of navigation seals for real-time cargo tracking will begin. The experience of using electronic waybills successfully used in the Union State of Russia and Belarus is also being considered.

Tourism is a promising area of integration. The adopted concept of cooperation contains specific guidelines for increasing tourist flows and creating new cross-border routes, Vladimir Putin said.

On deepening trade cooperation with the EAEU

India has expressed its readiness to accelerate work on a preferential trade agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union. This was stated by Vladimir Putin, noting the growing potential of the common market.

"The common economic space of the EAEU and the CIS free trade zone already cover a market of 730 million consumers," the President stressed, pointing to significant opportunities for the development of trade relations.

In conclusion, the Russian President expressed gratitude to Belarus for the effective chairmanship of the EAEU in the outgoing year and wished success to Kazakhstan, which will assume this role on January 1. The participants of the meeting also wished each other a Happy New Year.

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