Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan took part in the regular sitting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council, which was held via video link. The meeting was also attended by the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin, the President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko, the President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov, the Chairman of the Board of the Eurasian Economic Commission Mikhail Myasnikovich.

The President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and the President of the Republic of Cuba Miguel Mario Diaz-Canel Bermudez made speeches as heads of observer states in the EEU.

In his speech, Prime Minister Pashinyan first thanked the Kyrgyz side for its efforts to organize today’s meeting and work out a wide range of topics for discussion. Welcoming the leaders of the EEU member and observer countries, the head of the Armenian Government said, “We are holding the first session of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council this year, in connection with which I would like to wish all of us success in continuing the effective joint work.

Only 8 years have passed since the signing of the Treaty on the Eurasian Economic Union, but the EEU is already one of the most dynamically developing integration unions, as evidenced by the results of the implementation of “Strategy 2025”.

Nevertheless, our countries should operatively adapt to the rapidly changing external and internal conditions. I think that we should already outline the development horizons of our Union in the strategic phase after 2025, taking into account the emerging world order.

It is necessary to take a broader look at the integration project, set and implement ambitious goals, master new areas of cooperation.

Dear Colleagues,

as a tool to adapt to the demands and challenges of the times, we attach importance to the consistent implementation of the main guidelines of the macroeconomic policy of the EEU member states, which define the most important problems facing the economies of our countries.

I would like to mention the great work done by the Commission together with the EEU member states to eliminate the barriers in the internal market. In this context, the main reasons for their occurrence should not be ignored, since they are mainly of economic nature. I am convinced that systematic actions aimed at industrial cooperation for the development of our economies and obtaining access to third country markets will become the key to significantly reducing barriers in the domestic market. Activation of industrial cooperation, development and implementation of joint ventures and innovative projects, as well as scientific and technical cooperation will allow to assemble the chain links between “scientific discoveries” and “industrial sector”.

It should also be noted that the advanced development of information technologies and digitalization are the most important conditions for the development of modern forms of cooperation between the authorized bodies of our countries and economic entities. While confidence during cooperation is the basis through which we can ensure the free movement of goods, services, capital and labor.

At the same time, we should realize that in the current conditions of the development of information, communication and digital technologies, any step can be taken only with a proper level of information security.

It should also be noted the importance of developing mechanisms to minimize the risks of global economic challenges, which have reached unprecedented levels and depth in recent months. In our opinion, it is expedient to think about the development of pilot projects, joint measures aimed at expanding and deepening trade and economic relations, and strengthening co-op cooperation.

At the same time, in order to ensure sustainable economic growth of the member states, it is necessary to constantly cooperate with the business community on current issues of integration development. In terms of promoting and taking into account the interests of business, expanding the participation of the business community in the implementation of programs, I would like to single out the work carried out within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Forum held yesterday.

Expert discussions are an effective tool for a comprehensive assessment of the current situation, and developing practical measures for the sustainable development of our union based on them.

Colleagues,

In the context of international cooperation, the establishment of contacts with the partners from 3rd countries and building concrete cooperation chains seem to be an urgent issue. I can confidently note that over the years the Union has significantly expanded the horizons of international cooperation.

I think it important to once again draw attention to Armenia’s interest in concluding a full-fledged FTA between Iran and the EEU as soon as possible. The experience of the interim agreement with Tehran clearly shows the attractiveness of the Iranian market and the prospects for further deepening of cooperation.

Today we also plan to start negotiations on an FTA with the Republic of Indonesia.

It is important to continue enriching the international agenda, so that both the countries of the Union and our partners can see the tangible results of mutually beneficial cooperation.

Dear participants of the meeting,

In conclusion, I would like to thank all of you for your joint work, to once again reaffirm the readiness of the Armenian side to continue its efforts to develop and adopt joint decisions corresponding to the interests of each member state and the Union.

Thanks for attention”.

At the meeting, the Council touched upon the international activities of the EEU, the facilitation and consistent simplification of cooperation in the markets of different spheres within the Union, as well as the issues related to the implementation of the agreements reached at the previous meeting.