MINSK, November 18. /TASS/. Russia’s presidency in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) in 2017 will give an impetus to integration processes," Viktor Guminsky, the first deputy chairman of the CIS Executive Committee, told TASS on Friday.
"Russia has always been playing the role of a driving force of integration processes within the Commonwealth of Independent State. We are confident Russia’s presidency in the Commonwealth in 2017 will spur integration processes," he said, adding that Russia would spare no effort to raise the CIS’ authority on the international arena and to make the work of CIS structures more efficient.
"The task of the CIS Executive Committee is to help the Russian side implement its concept. It sets large-scale tasks which will require big effort. We have enough possibilities to implement these tasks in the interests of CIS member states and their citizens," Guminsky said at the presentation of Russia’s concept of its presidency in the CIS.
He noted that Russia had played a major role in the establishment of the Commonwealth of Independent States which will mark its 25th anniversary in December.
"It is an objective reality. Russia played a cementing role in uniting countries in this integration space," he said, adding that much has already been done but not all that had been planned. "Russia’s presidency in the CIS in 2017 is seen as a continuation of this work. The concept sets large-scale the tasks and their implementation will facilitate our progress," Guminsky underscored.