The leaders of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) in Bishkek will take a decision on starting negotiations with the UAE on the creation of a free trade zone, Yuri Ushakov, Assistant to the President of the Russia for International Affairs, told reporters, TASS reports.
"As part of the international agenda, it is expected to approve the main directions of the international activities of the union (EAEU) for 2023 and make a decision to launch the negotiation process to conclude a free trade agreement between the EAEU and the United Arab Emirates," Ushakov said.
The Kremlin representative noted that the ties of the EAEU with other countries and integration associations continue to develop. Particular emphasis is placed on strengthening economic cooperation with the CIS countries based on the Memorandum on deepening cooperation between the Eurasian Economic Commission and the CIS Executive Committee signed in 2018. Ushakov recalled that Moldova received the status of an observer state in 2018, and Uzbekistan and Cuba in 2020. In total, the EAEU has six major international agreements - with Vietnam, Iran, Singapore, Serbia and two agreements with China. "Negotiations are underway with Egypt and Iran, the launch of a negotiation track on trade liberalization with India and Indonesia has been approved, and now at this session [in Bishkek on December 9] a decision is planned to start negotiations with the United Arab Emirates," Ushakov said.
The meeting of the Supreme Council of the EAEU is being held in Bishkek with the participation of the presidents of Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Russia, the prime ministers of Armenia and Uzbekistan.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
December 9, 2022