Kazakh
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev participated in a meeting of the Supreme
Eurasian Economic Council (SEEC). Marking an anniversary year for the union,
the leaders of the EAEU member states convened in Russia, near St. Petersburg.
During a narrow-format session, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan
summarized the chairmanship results via video link. The agenda included the
formation of a common electricity market, harmonizing legislation in the
financial and customs sectors, and establishing a single services market.
Experts highlight growing global interest in the EAEU. Observer countries
include Uzbekistan and Cuba, while Vietnam, Singapore, Serbia, and Iran have joined
the free trade zone. At the meeting, EAEU members made another strategic
decision: Iran was granted observer status. Future cooperation prospects
include developing transit potential through the Trans-Caspian Transport Route
and enhancing trade and economic relations.
«Perhaps
the most important document is the transit agreement between the EAEU and third
countries. This is because the territories of our countries are vast, and
transportation routes passing through them not only connect our nations but
also link various regions of the world. Another significant development this
year was Iran’s inclusion as an observer state in the EAEU. Until now, there
were two observer countries: Uzbekistan and Cuba,» said Dmitry Lanko, associate
professor at St. Petersburg State University.
Representatives
from the observer countries, Cuba and Iran, spoke during the expanded meeting.
The free trade zone with EAEU countries has played an important role in the
development of Iran’s economy. Next year, economic relations with Iran will be
further simplified.
«Up until now, we have successfully cooperated in trade. The
EAEU market has provided a strong impetus for our development. Now, as an
observer state, Iran can offer other areas for deepening cooperation, including
transport, energy security, and, of course, transit. We can become a link to
the Persian Gulf and other countries,» said Seyed Mohammad Atabak, Iranian Minister of Industry, Mining, and Trade.
Following
the SEEC meeting, the parties signed over 20 documents. Belarus will
assume the EAEU presidency in 2025.
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