Eurasian Economic Union premiers meet in Kyrgyzstan, discuss expanding trade ties

MOSCOW

The heads of government of the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) discussed trade expansion prospects during a narrow-format session of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council in Kyrgyzstan's Cholpon-Ata city on Thursday.

Prime Ministers Alekandr Turchin of Belarus, Olzhaz Bektenov of Kazakhstan, Adylbek Kasymalyev of Kyrgyzstan, and Mikhail Mishustin of Russia attended the meeting, with Armenia represented by Vice-Premier Mger Grigoryan, the EEU press service said in a statement.

Observer nations participated via video link, including Iran's First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref, Uzbek Premier Abdulla Aripov, and Cuban Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz.

Kyrgyzstan's Prime Minister Kasymalyev delivered the opening remarks, followed by Belarus' Premier Turchin, who serves as the current EEU chair.

On the sidelines, Russian Prime Minister Mishustin held bilateral talks with his Kyrgyz counterpart Kasymalyev, proposing new joint initiatives in an array of sectors, the Russian government’s press service said in a separate statement.

“Over 1,700 Russian-affiliated companies operate in your country in energy, industry, and digital technologies. Our shared goal is to create favorable conditions for joint ventures and a positive investment climate," Mishustin said.

"We propose considering new initiatives in transport, mining, agriculture, peaceful nuclear power, and other promising sectors," he added.

Despite global challenges, the Russian leader noted thriving bilateral ties, saying: "Our trade is steadily growing, and Russian investments in Kyrgyzstan continue to increase."

He particularly highlighted the Russo-Kyrgyz Fund's impact, saying: "Its expanding resources support over 3,500 projects, with a special focus on SMEs and regional economic development across Kyrgyzstan."