The event was also attended by the Presidents of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, Republic of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan, Republic of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko, Republic of Kyrgyzstan Almazbek Atambayev, the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin and the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon.
In his speech the President of Kazakhstan noted that the meeting is taking place in the anniversary year since the Commonwealth formation.
- At present the Commonwealth of Independent States, whose foundations were laid in 1991 by the signed Alma-Ata Declaration, remains a unique platform for the convergence of our countries. For the very fact of the existence and implementation of their plans for the future our Commonwealth proved its viability, feasibility and long-term benefits. Moreover, the Commonwealth experience proved useful to other integration associations, such as the EAEC and SCO. Thus, the establishment of the CIS in Almaty on December 21, 1991 is of great historical significance. At my initiative, today we are taking the Statement of the CIS 25th anniversary. It defines guidelines and challenges for the future, said Nursultan Nazarbayev.
The President of Kazakhstan noted that at the recent G-20 summit the coordination of economic policies has been agreed to ensure sustainable development of the global economy.
- The Summit discussed changing the outdated model of development and transition to the new digital economy, followed by the global industrial revolution. This is a signal for opening and beginning of the new ways of social production development based on new forms of energy, new classes of currencies and new forms of social relations. In view of these challenges in the CIS we should also cooperate more closely and step up joint projects, said Nursultan Nazarbayev.
The Head of State pointed out that the current Commonwealth proceeds to the third phase of the Economic Development Strategy adopted in 2008.
Global economic situation at the moment has changed significantly, so Kazakhstan is proposing to update the package of measures to stimulate economic growth in the CIS countries, said the President of Kazakhstan.
In addition, Nursultan Nazarbayev highlighted the crucial role of the efficient use of transport and transit potential in the CIS countries development.
- There is often duplication and inconsistency between countries as for implemented major transport and transit projects. In this regard there is a need for coordination of our policies in this area. It will greatly improve the efficiency of our projects, the President said.
Along with that the President of Kazakhstan reminded the meeting of the agreement at the previous meeting concerning the need to adapt the CIS to modern realities.
- The teamwork succeeded in drawing up specific measures for the CIS efficiency raising. The continuous work on improvement of the CIS activities and ensuring its functional flexibility is required, said Nursultan Nazarbayev.
In conclusion the President noted that Kazakhstan welcomes the decision on the Russian Federation’s chairmanship in the CIS in 2017.
