The countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) are key partners and closest allies of Russia, but fostering strong relations with them has been the result of years of dedicated effort, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said in an interview with Rossiyskaya Gazeta.
“For Russia, the CIS states are key partners and closest allies. Expanding trade and humanitarian ties among neighboring countries is a natural process,” Mishustin said, responding to a question about the importance of the CIS union. “Many aspects of our relationships with CIS partners, which we often take for granted, are the result of years of work within the framework of the Commonwealth.”
Mishustin highlighted that uniting efforts among CIS countries and leveraging the strengths of each member opens new opportunities for development. He added that collaboration makes it easier to tackle challenges and work on improving citizens' quality of life and strengthening national economies.
The prime minister also underscored Russia's significant achievements in cooperation with CIS countries. For instance, the share of CIS countries in Russia's foreign trade has risen to 16.2%, with mutual trade turnover increasing by over 11% from January to September 2024. By the end of the third quarter, Russia was the leading trade partner for Belarus (52.7%) and Armenia (41.1%), and the second-largest for Kazakhstan (18.7%), Uzbekistan (18%), and Kyrgyzstan (23%).
“Russia remains the largest supplier to CIS countries, providing them with essential goods and resources for sustainable development. As the region's largest economy, it also serves as a significant market for their exports,” Mishustin emphasized.
Discussing joint initiatives with CIS countries, the prime minister mentioned agreements in energy, transportation, and intellectual property, along with events held in science, education, culture, and sports. “However, more than a third of the planned measures were focused on economic issues, such as food security, stimulating business activity, modernizing transport and logistics infrastructure, industrial cooperation, innovation, and digitalization. In these areas, we are determined to launch joint projects that will be beneficial—profitable, even—for all participants,” Mishustin concluded.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Federation Council
Based on TASS materials