Customs Union fully operational

Alexander Lukashenko said that Viktor Khristenko's arrival was very opportune since the article written by Prime Minister of Russia Vladimir Putin to highlight future integration in the post-Soviet space was very actively discussed. The Belarusian head of state remarked that it was the initiative of Vladimir Putin initially. Alexander Lukashenko said he has plans for an article of his own to lay down his views on future integration. "I witnessed all the stages and know how it went. It would be honest because Putin was the one to kick off the process," said Alexander Lukashenko.

According to Alexander Lukashenko, the future presidential candidate is likely to be the next President of Russia because he was the first to suggest the policy of bringing the post-Soviet space in order and streamlining relations with neighbors. "I believe it meets Belarusian views. I told him about it when I talked to him," remarked the President of Belarus.

Alexander Lukashenko said he would like Viktor Khristenko to say what problems may arise in the foreseeable future. "I would like to hear your views on the reformation of these structures that we are creating within the framework of the future Single Economic Space, which de facto exists today. I would also like to ask several questions, to hear your views, to get a piece of advice about what we should do regarding the problems that we would like to resolve within the framework of the Single Economic Space. I would like to see whether it is possible and whether it is justified on our part," said Alexander Lukashenko.

Viktor Khristenko remarked that the President of Belarus had always been an active and consistent adherent of integration processes. "It is important that the movement in the strategic direction has been going on. Many hindrances have emerged on the way of this movement, primarily external ones. It is understandable that many may not like the enhanced integration in the post-Soviet space. Therefore, the phase the entire process is going through now is important," stated Viktor Khristenko.

"It is also important that the Customs Union of the three countries is fully operational now. In essence there are no hindrances or barriers that impede the flow of commodities in our countries," he said.

Viktor Khristenko said that the creation of the Customs Union and the formation of the Single Economic Space have considerably influenced the trade turnover. This year the mutual trade of the three countries is likely to reach $100 billion or even $110 billion. Viktor Khristenko remarked that the common market inside the three countries is a major stimulus in view of the crisis that is emerging outside the Customs Union and which is felt through various factors and images.