President Putin: No Need to Overestimate Significance of CIS

Yesterday, speaking at a press conference following the completion of his talks in Bishkek, the capital of Kirghizia, President Putin said, 'The Commonwealth of Independent States is a viable universal organisation. Still, its significance should not be exaggerated'. According to President Putin's press service, President said that 'What is called CIS should be filled with actual content'. According to Mr. Putin, without the CIS, certain issues could not be easily resolved. However, the activities of the commonwealth should go hand-in-hand with the Eurasian Economic Organisation and the Treaty on Collective Security.

President said that the Eurasian Economic Organisation had already proven its effectiveness, being oriented toward resolving purely economic problems. 'The fact that trade turnover between the members of the organisation is growing proves that we were correct when creating it', he said.

President Putin's visit to Kirghizia was the last on his Asian tour, which included visits also to China and India.