Lukashenko, Tokayev discuss bilateral relations, cooperation in CIS, EAEU

Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko and Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev had a phone conversation on the morning of 30 April, BelTA learned from the press service of the Belarusian head of state.

The parties discussed cooperation in the integration associations: the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).

Belarus is presiding in the CIS in 2021 and Kazakhstan will take the presidency over in 2022. In view of this, the heads of state discussed in detail the agenda of cooperation in the CIS. Aleksandr Lukashenko and Kassym-Jomart Tokayev outlined specific measures to facilitate cooperation in the CIS.

The presidents also compared notes in the run-up to a session of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council in May. They stressed the importance of fulfilling all obligations within the framework of the EAEU and the CIS, especially those to remove barriers to trade, and honoring all other agreements.

Speaking about the bilateral relations, the heads of state agreed to hold another session of the intergovernmental commission. Aleksandr Lukashenko has already tasked the government with organizing the session. Amid the current difficult situation, the priority, according to the heads of state, is to determine the most important and promising areas to boost cooperation.

The presidents reaffirmed commitment to cooperate closely and encourage growth in bilateral trade and advancing cooperation in various fields.

Aleksandr Lukashenko and Kassym-Jomart Tokayev also discussed the pandemic and vaccination. Kazakhstan plans to vaccinate up to 10 million people in the course of six months. The presidents discussed the coronavirus spread using the difficult situation in India as an example.

The presidents of Belarus and Kazakhstan exchanged congratulations ahead of Labor Day on 1 May and Victory Day.

Aleksandr Lukashenko also extended Easter greetings to Orthodox believers of Kazakhstan and Ramadan greetings to Muslims of Kazakhstan. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev also conveyed Easter greetings to Orthodox believers of Belarus.