Makei: Belarus implemented CIS chairmanship concept

       Belarus has implemented the CIS chairmanship concept by and large in 2013, Belarus’ Foreign Minister Vladimir Makei said at a session of the Council of Permanent Plenipotentiary Representatives of the CIS Member States under Charter and Other Bodies of the Commonwealth. The Foreign Minister mentioned the highlights of Belarus’ presidency in the CIS. In his words, the focus on economic cooperation facilitated gradual implementation of the free trade area agreement and helped flesh out the interstate innovative development program. Vladimir Makei welcomed progress in the formation of the CIS common agricultural market and successes in promoting contacts between economic operators of the CIS member states. He noted that one of the most remarkable events that happened in the CIS Year of Ecological Culture and Environmental Protection was signing a cooperation agreement in environmental protection. The 8th Forum of Creative and Academic Intellectuals of the Commonwealth of Independent States that took place in Minsk helped identify the most promising cooperation areas in environmental protection, culture, education and science and outline cooperation prospects with other international organizations, including UNESCO.