Lavrov: “Russia, Belarus, and Kazakhstan will join WTO simultaneously”

• 25.11.2009, 14:38

Russia says Belarus’s participation in the Eastern Partnership programme won’t compete with the country’s participation in the CIS, Eurasian Economic Community and Customs Union.

Minister of foreign affairs of Russia Sergei Lavrov said on November 25 this at a press conference in Moscow, where a join session of foreign ministers of Russia and Belarus takes place. According to Radio Svaboda, both delegations are headed by the foreign ministers.

“We are considering proposals on joining some projects within the framework of the Eastern Partnership programme. We have not ruled this out and will consider each particular project on its own merit,” Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said.

He said Moscow was watching the evolution of the Eastern Partnership programme, which is just beginning to take shape in practical deeds.”

“Our Belarusian friends have confirmed that their involvement in Eastern Partnership projects wouldn’t damage or compete with active participation of Belarus in integration process within CIS framework, including the Eurasian Economic Community and Customs Union,” RIA Novosti quotes Lavrov.

Sergei Lavrov also confirmed that Russia, Belarus, and Kazakhstan would join the World Trade Organization simultaneously. What to the joining procedure, “our states have more flexible position here,” the Russian foreign minister noted.

According to Interfax, Belarusian foreign minister Syarhei Martynau said “Russia should join projects offered by Eastern Partnership initiative”.

We remind that Moldova, Belarus, Ukraine, Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan are invited to take part in the EU’s initiative Eastern Partnership. The programme provides for EU’s financial aid to the participants countries for carrying out political, economic, and social reforms.