Russian President Vladimir Putin said at the CIS Council of Heads of States meeting today that the members of the Commonwealth should strengthen integration in the light of unfavorable tendencies in the world economy and stimulate security cooperation, RIA Novosti reports.
Putin noted that the agreement on the free trade zone signed in 2011 was a major step. The president also reminded that the growth rate of CIS economies, investments and trade turnover had dropped in 2013. He believes that they have good chance of forming their own agenda, generate major investment projects, and improve the business climate.
Regarding security efforts, Putin stated that a set of mid-term programs with clear measures to fight crime and terrorism had been approved. He added that it was also an essential development for predictable and safe business environment. The interstate council for corruption control was working on the issues, he said.
