Undoubtedly, we are also interested in increasing the competitiveness of products produced in the EAEU, says Pashinyan

The working visit of Nikol Pashinyan to the Russian Federation continues, taking place in Kazan, where the work of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council is underway. This was reported by the press office of the Prime Minister of Armenia. On April 30, Pashinyan participated in the expanded meeting of the EAEU Intergovernmental Council, with the narrow meeting having taken place on April 29.

The participants of the expanded meeting include the heads of governments of EAEU member states such as the Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Mikhail Mishustin, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Belarus Roman Golovchenko, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan Askar Mamin, and the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kyrgyzstan Ulukbek Maripov. Additionally, the heads of government of observer states in the EAEU were present, including the Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan Abdulla Aripov and the acting Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldova Aureli Choc, the latter participating online. Also in attendance were the official delegations from invited countries, including the Prime Minister of Tajikistan Kokhir Rasulzoda and the Deputy Prime Minister of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdymukhamedov. A video message from the Prime Minister of the Republic of Cuba Manuel Cruz was also presented.

In his speech, Nikol Pashinyan expressed gratitude to Mikhail Vladimirovich Mishustin for the high level of organization of the meeting and for the traditional hospitality. He also conveyed his appreciation to Rustam Nurgalievich Minnikhanov, the President of Tatarstan, for the warm welcome.

Pashinyan welcomed the heads of government of the observer states in the EAEU, including Abdulla Nigmati Aripov from Uzbekistan and Aureli Valerian Choc from Moldova, noting their participation in online mode. He also extended a hearty welcome to the Prime Minister of Tajikistan Kokhir Rasulzoda and the Deputy Prime Minister of Turkmenistan Serdar Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov.

“Colleagues, yesterday, in the narrow format, we already had a thorough exchange of views on the key issues of today’s agenda. I would like to briefly address the relevant issues from our perspective regarding the Union,” Pashinyan continued. He discussed the ongoing activities of the EAEU, emphasizing the need to adapt to new global challenges that have significantly neutralized the effects of interstate integration.

He pointed out that the pandemic-related restrictions and the transformation of the global economy necessitate complex studies and explorations in sectors with the highest potential for collaboration, specifically highlighting healthcare, education, and social sectors.

“It is also important to consider the integration potential of the Union through the prism of intergovernmental programs related to space, which we discussed yesterday. I am confident that the results of systematic work in this direction will not keep us waiting,” Pashinyan stated.

Pashinyan emphasized the significance of the current document being considered, which outlines the main directions for industrial cooperation within the EAEU until 2025. He remarked that the industrial sector is one of the main driving forces of the Union’s economic system and underlined the importance of continued work on enhancing industrial cooperation and coordinating national industrial policies.

“Undoubtedly, we are also interested in increasing the competitiveness of products produced in the EAEU, both in internal and external markets. The consistent implementation of the main provisions of this document will contribute to the sustainable development of the entire industrial complex,” he added.

He closed his remarks by thanking colleagues for their collaboration and reaffirming Armenia’s readiness and unwavering determination to exert all necessary efforts for the further expansion of economic cooperation and the consistent exploration of the integration potential of the Union.

During the meeting, the heads of the EAEU governments discussed agenda items including the integration of measures regulating the export of certain sensitive products, measures for protecting agricultural production markets from harmful plant viruses, and the extension of the deadlines for the application of serial product certificates for goods produced in Kazakhstan and transported to other EAEU countries. A report on the development of electronic trade was also acknowledged, and the main directions for industrial cooperation within the EAEU until 2025 were established. Prospects for cooperation in the field of space services were also discussed. As a result of the meeting, several documents were signed, including a Memorandum on Cooperation between the Eurasian Economic Commission and the Government of Uzbekistan and the program of measures for its implementation. The next meeting of the EAEU Intergovernmental Council is scheduled to take place in the Kyrgyz Republic in Issyk-Kul.