The CIS should be a strong union of strong, economically self-sufficient sovereign states. This was stated by President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko in Moscow at the Commonwealth summit, according to a BELTA correspondent.
Alexander Lukashenko proposed to consider how to more effectively use the potential of regional integration. "The common goal is clear. We need a strong union of strong, economically self-sufficient sovereign states. We constantly talk about equal conditions and respect for national interests. Much has already been done, but there is still something to strive for," said the head of state, outlining several directions in this regard.
- Lukashenko advocated for the restoration of the CIS "family" in its previous composition
- In Moscow, Lukashenko recalled the strength of the historical unity of the peoples of the Commonwealth, which worries the West
The first is strengthening the international status of the CIS.
"The Commonwealth must constantly be present in the global information agenda. We are united in our assessment of many events affecting the development not only of the region but of humanity as a whole. We talk about this on various platforms, but, unfortunately, often separately," the Belarusian leader noted. "We need to combine our voices more often into one – the voice of the CIS. This voice must be heard at full strength and lead to concrete actions. Especially today."
Alexander Lukashenko stated the existence of a profound crisis in international relations. "As the President of Russia said, it is irreversible. Could we have imagined earlier that any country would ban the entry of the UN Secretary-General to itself (Israel made such a decision the other day. – BELTA’s note)?" the head of state gave an example. "It is important to jointly oppose illegal unilateral economic restrictions. Today, they affect not only Belarus and Russia. All Commonwealth countries are actually under threat of secondary sanctions."
The second area is countering the imposition of alien extremist ideologies, and attempts to involve citizens in unlawful, including terrorist, activities.
Alexander Lukashenko thanked his colleague, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, for the timely initiative to develop a Cooperation Program in the field of deradicalization.
The head of state also proposed instructing the CIS Executive Committee to intensify the exchange of experience between law enforcement officers specializing in cybersecurity issues.