ArmInfo.The countries of the Eurasian Economic Union will hold additional consultations with Cuba before granting the latter the status of an observer state in the case of its joining. This decision was made today at a meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council (SEEC), which took place in a video conference format.
As Mikhail Myasnikovich, Chairman of the Board of the Eurasian Economic Commission, said at the meeting, Cuba has shown a great interest in cooperation with the EAEU almost from the moment the association was created. Since 2018, the Cuban government has been cooperating with the EE Con the basis of a memorandum of understanding. The issue of granting observer status to the country has already been discussed by the commission twice.
"Belarus, Kyrgyzstan and Armenia agree to grant Cuba observer status. Kazakhstan favored further consultations with the Cuban side. Russia also suggested holding consultations to clarify all aspects," Mikhail Myasnikovich said, BelTA informs.
During the summit, the presidents of Kazakhstan and Russia explained their positions. According to the President of Kazakhstan, Havana does not yet have a complete understanding of the status and rights of the observer state at the EAEU. In addition, he believes, it is necessary in general to develop criteria for observer status so that countries do not have the illusion that with their receipt they can claim all the privileges and benefits in the EAEU. "It is necessary to clearly outline the rights and obligations, as in all international organizations," added Kassym-Jomart Tokaev.
Vladimir Putin noted that Russia generally supports the Cuban application, but wants to understand the expectations of Cuban friends from obtaining observer status at the EAEU.
During the meeting, the proposal on the date of the next meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council was also considered.
President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko has proposed a regular meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council in Minsk in October-November in Minsk.
The meeting participants agreed with the proposal of the head of the Belarusian state. The specific date of the event will be determined later.
