The War in Artsakh Affects Economic Activity in the CIS, Says Mishustin

The war in Nagorno-Karabakh, along with the situations in Kyrgyzstan and Belarus, has impacted economic activity in the CIS region. Notably, several global players are exploiting the instability to impose their own rules, including through unfair competition, said Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin during a meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the CIS, as reported by eadaily.com.

Mishustin pointed out that, under current conditions, CIS countries must remain the closest economic partners. “Economic activity has significantly decreased in CIS countries, as well as globally. In the first half of this year, our trade volume has dropped compared to the same period last year, both in mutual trade and with third countries. The situation is further complicated by other factors, including the difficult situation in Belarus and Kyrgyzstan and the escalation of the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh,” Mishustin stated.

According to him, certain members of the international community are attempting to utilize the coronavirus pandemic and global instability to gain “economic, often political advantages and impose their vision of economic processes.”