MOSCOW, July 01. /ITAR-TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin is certain that it is impossible to unify world development, but it is necessary to look for common ground. “World development cannot be unified. But we can and should look for common ground and see not only competitors, but also partners in each other. It is necessary to develop cooperation between different states, their unions and integration structures,” the Russian president said at a meeting with Russian diplomats.

The president cited integration in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) space as a successful cooperation example. “Strengthening close friendly ties, developing mutually advantageous economic cooperation with our neighbors is a key, long-term strategic direction of Russia’s foreign policy,” Putin said. He recalled the Agreement on the Eurasian Economic Union, signed in Astana on May 29 that “symbolizes the qualitatively new stage of our interaction". “A powerful, attractive for businesses and investors center of economic development is being created in the Eurasian space, a common market is being formed,” the Russian president added. He noted that the new union “objectively evokes a very big interest of the CIS partners". In particular, Armenia will soon join the Union, and negotiations with Kyrgyzstan are also “at an advanced stage.” “We are also open to other countries of the Commonwealth,” Putin said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin's address to ambassadors and permanent representatives. Full