Russia is interested in the strengthening of the Commonwealth of Independent States, said Russian Premier Vladimir Putin, opening a meeting of heads of government of the CIS, reports RIA Novosti.
"We are solely interested in strengthening the organization, realizing its potential and extending cooperation in all spheres. This is the motto of Russia's chairmanship of the CIS," said Putin. The Russian premier noted that December 2011 will mark the 20th anniversary of the commonwealth. "This is a unique system of cooperation, which has been established for the benefit of our citizens and provides stability throughout a huge region," - noted Putin.
According to him, the success of the organization depends on well coordinated work of all partners. The CIS states jointly overcame the consequences of the word crises. "In 2009, the CIS states implemented a joint anti-crisis plan, I believe our organisations should co-ordinate closely, using integration mechanisms," - the Russian premier said.
As earlier reported VK, the heads of the governments and other top officials of the CIS member-states have gathered in Saint-Petersburg to discuss the most vital issues of interstate cooperation.
The meeting will see discussion of nineteen issues, most of which are economic, in particular, the implementation of the "Energy cooperation concept". The participants of the meeting are going to draw up a forecast for energy production and consumption in the CIS states until 2020 and work out the main directions of cooperation in the sphere of energy-saving.
Some other agreements will be discussed at the meeting, such as agreements on cooperation in gas-specialists training, and cooperation in establishing and operating the information-marketing network aimed at promoting goods and services on the markets.
