Russian Prime Minister Taking Part in EurAsEC Summit in Kazakhstan Today - 20 September, 2002

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov is today taking part in a meeting of the International Council of the Eurasian Economic Community (EurAsEC) in the Kazakhstan capital Astana. According to the Russian Government's press department, the meeting is being attended by the heads of government of Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kirgizia and Tajikistan. The forum's participants intend to discuss a wide range of proposals regarding economic cooperation and deepening integration. They will look at financial questions, mechanisms for protecting domestic markets without introducing special protective measures in bilateral trade, and also the issue of developing a common policy for member states in talks on entry into the WTO.

The meeting will also feature discussions on introducing changes or additions to events relating to the agreed restructuring of the economies of the countries which are signatories to the Treaty on Customs Union and a Single Economic Zone. In addition, a proposed project for a single tax certificate in EurAsEC countries and a draft agreement for a common commodity classification system in foreign trade will be discussed. The meeting's schedule also includes talks on a draft agreement on cooperation in the mass media sector and a proposed project on cooperation in controlling external borders.

During his trip to Astana, Mikhail Kasyanov also intends to hold a series of bilateral meetings, including talks with the heads of government of Kazakhstan and Kirgizia.