Latest news with #EurasianEconomicUnion
India.com
36 minutes ago
- Politics
- India.com
Russia Will No Longer Play One-Sided Games With West: Russian President Putin
New Delhi: Russia will no longer engage in "one-sided" games with the West, President Vladimir Putin stated while addressing journalists on the sidelines of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) summit in Minsk, RT reported. According to RT, Putin said that Western nations have repeatedly betrayed Russia by not honouring their promises regarding NATO expansion and resolving the Ukraine conflict. He emphasised that NATO is using alleged Russian "aggressiveness" to justify plans to increase defence spending to 5 per cent of member states' GDP and bolster military presence in Europe. "They [the West] are turning everything upside down," Putin said at a press conference on Friday. "No one is saying a word about how we've come up to the Russian special military operation," he continued, asserting that the Ukraine conflict's origins date back decades, when Moscow was "blatantly lied to" about NATO's intentions. "What followed was one expansion wave after another," he added. RT further quoted Putin as saying that Russia's repeated security concerns regarding NATO's activities were ignored by the West. "Isn't it aggressive behavior? That is precisely aggressive behaviour, which the West does not want to pay attention to," he said. The Russian President also accused Western nations of supporting separatist and terrorist movements as long as they targeted Russia. "Everything was good as long as it was against Russia. Haven't we seen this? They [the West] saw it as well. Yet, they only talk about our aggressiveness," he said, as per RT. Putin's remarks came just days after the NATO summit in The Hague, where the alliance's members committed to increasing defence expenditure to 5 per cent of GDP by 2035. NATO's recent decision to ramp up military spending will not significantly impact Russia's security, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Thursday, according to a report by Russia Today. Speaking at a press conference, Lavrov dismissed the West's claim of a Russian threat as unfounded and reiterated Moscow's openness to peace talks if the core issues behind the Ukraine conflict are addressed. His remarks came after the NATO summit in The Hague, where member states pledged to increase defence expenditure to 5 per cent of GDP by 2035, citing the "long-term threat posed by Russia to Euro-Atlantic security." US President Donald Trump described the agreement as a "monumental win," having long urged European allies to contribute more to their defense. Responding to a question on whether Russia views the NATO buildup as a threat, Lavrov stated, "I don't think it will have any significant effect." He added, "We know what goals we are pursuing; we don't hide them, we state them openly, and they are absolutely legitimate in terms of any interpretation of the UN Charter and international law. We know by what means we will always ensure these goals." RT reported that Moscow has consistently denied any plans to attack NATO countries, calling such accusations "nonsense" used by Western officials to justify increased military budgets. Lavrov also said Russia remains willing to engage in dialogue if NATO addresses root concerns, including its expansion toward Russia's borders and continued military support for Ukraine's NATO ambitions.
Russia Today
6 hours ago
- Business
- Russia Today
Ukraine conflict settlement, future of US-Russia relations, NATO's ‘lies': Highlights from Putin's Q&A
Moscow will no longer play a 'one-sided game' with the West, Russian President Vladimir Putin told journalists on the sidelines of the Eurasian Economic Union summit in Minsk on Friday. During his press conference, Putin fielded questions on a wide range of issues, including the state of the economy, sanctions, and negotiations with Ukraine. Settlement of the Ukraine conflict Putin acknowledged that the roadmaps presented by the Russian and Ukrainian delegations at the second round of talks in Istanbul earlier this month were polar opposites. He said, however, that the talks were specifically held 'to look for ways to bring [our positions] closer.' He welcomed the ongoing prisoner swaps and the return of the remains of fallen soldiers agreed at the talks. According to Putin, Russia is ready to hand over the remains of some 3,000 Ukrainian troops, in addition to the 6,000 it has already returned. The president said Moscow is ready to continue negotiations. 'We are ready to hold such a meeting in Istanbul,' Putin stated, adding that the Russian and Ukrainian delegation leaders are 'in constant contact.' He said he believes the next meeting should focus on discussing each side's memorandums. No more 'one-sided' games with NATO When Western nations speak about Russia's 'aggressiveness,' they are 'turning everything upside down,' Putin said, referring to NATO members' pledge to raise defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035. According to Putin, NATO had 'blatantly lied' in the early 1990s when it promised not to expand eastward. He accused the alliance of constantly ignoring Russia's security concerns, particularly its warnings that NATO's expansion toward Russian borders would be viewed as a threat. 'That is what aggressive behavior looks like,' he said, adding that Moscow is done playing 'one-sided' games with the West. The president reiterated that Russia has no plans to attack NATO and intends to reduce defense spending over the next three years. NATO denies ever making commitments not to expand and insists it poses no threat to Russia. Western Europe 'about to drop dead' Russia is currently spending 6.3% of its GDP on defense, which is 'a lot,' Putin said. He acknowledged that the nation 'has paid for it with inflation,' but added that the government maintains a 'level-headed approach' to the issue. The difference, he argued, is that Russia is supporting its own defense industry, while NATO members in Europe are buying weapons from the US. Still, the Russian economy has grown by more than 4% for two years in a row, while growth in the euro area has been just 0.9%, he noted. Putin claimed that France and Germany are 'on the brink of recession.' 'They're about to drop dead, yet they're still trying to write our obituary,' he said. Ban on Russian oil trade will be unenforceable Putin reiterated that sweeping restrictions have failed to hinder Russia's growth. He expressed confidence that tougher sanctions on Russian oil exports – currently being discussed in the EU and US – will not change the situation. 'The world is consuming ever-increasing volumes of oil and petrochemicals as the global economy grows,' he said, adding that a ban on Russian oil will be 'de facto impossible' to enforce. Trump is a 'courageous man' Putin said he has 'deep respect' for US President Donald Trump, describing him as a 'courageous man' who has endured 'hardships, difficulties, and dangers.' He added that Moscow welcomes the Trump administration's efforts to help resolve the Ukraine conflict. The president did not rule out a future meeting with Trump, saying Russia would welcome the return of American companies to its market.
Sharjah 24
11 hours ago
- Business
- Sharjah 24
AD CP attends Supreme Eurasian Economic Council meeting
The meeting brought together heads of state and government from the member countries of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), chaired by President Alexander Lukashenko of the Republic of Belarus. The United Arab Emirates participated as a guest of honour alongside leaders from invited nations including Uzbekistan, Cuba, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Mongolia, Zimbabwe and Myanmar. Conveying greetings of UAE President During the meeting, His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed delivered the UAE's address, conveying the greetings of President His Highness Sheikh His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed also expressed his appreciation to President Alexander Lukashenko for the warm welcome and hospitality and for inviting the UAE to participate in the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council meeting hosted by the Republic of Belarus. Reaffirmed UAE's commitment to strengthening its relations with member states of EAEU He reaffirmed the UAE's commitment to strengthening its relations with the member states of the EAEU and to advancing together towards new horizons of shared growth and economic partnership. He underscored the importance of fostering closer cooperation to generate greater trade and investment opportunities for both sides. Attendees The Supreme Eurasian Economic Council meeting was attended by Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation; Alexander Lukashenko, President of the Republic of Belarus; Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan; and Sadyr Japarov, President of the Kyrgyz Republic. Also in attendance were representatives of Observer States to the EAEU: Miguel Mario Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, President of the Republic of Cuba; Shavkat Miromonovich Mirziyoyev, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan; in addition to representatives of invited countries: Min Aung Hlaing, Prime Minister of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar; Laureano Ortega Murillo, Advisor to the Co-Presidents of the Republic of Nicaragua for Investment, Trade, and International Cooperation; and Nyam-Osoryn Uchral, First Deputy Prime Minister of Mongolia, Minister of Economy and Development of Mongolia. Witnessed the exchange of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) During the meeting, His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and leaders of the member states of the Eurasian Economic Union witnessed the exchange of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the Eurasian Economic Union that aims to eliminate trade barriers and unlock opportunities in vital sectors, including renewable energy, logistics and construction services. His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed highlighted that the agreement marks a significant milestone in UAE-EAEU relations, serving as a catalyst to further increase trade volumes and unlock new avenues of economic cooperation. He underscored that the UAE, through the EPA, aims to strengthen ties between business communities, investors and entrepreneurs across UAE and EAEU member states, laying a foundation for robust economic cooperation while reflecting the depth of friendship and constructive collaboration binding the UAE and the EAEU member nations. The agreement is expected to further enhance private-sector collaboration, strengthen supply chains, and empower entrepreneurs and SMEs to expand their operations globally. Building on years of economic cooperation, bilateral non-oil trade between the UAE and EAEU nations grew by 27 per cent in 2024 to reach US$29 billion, while trade between the two partners witnessed a fourfold increase since 2021. The EPA was signed by Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade; Mher Grigoryan, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia; Natalia Petkevitch, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Belarus; Serik Zhumangarin, Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of National Economy of the Republic of Kazakhstan; Daniyar Amangeldiev, First Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic; Alexey Overchuk, Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation; and Bakytzhan Sagintayev, Chairman of the Eurasian Economic Commission Board.
Gulf Today
11 hours ago
- Business
- Gulf Today
Sheikh Khaled, leaders of EAEU member states discuss trade ties in Belarus
On behalf of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, His Highness Sheikh Khaled Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, has attended the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council meeting, held on Friday at the Palace of Independence in Minsk, Belarus. The meeting brought together heads of state and government from the member countries of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), chaired by President Alexander Lukashenko of the Republic of Belarus. The United Arab Emirates participated as a guest of honour alongside leaders from invited nations including Uzbekistan, Cuba, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Mongolia, Zimbabwe and Myanmar. During the meeting, Sheikh Khaled Bin Mohamed delivered the UAE's address, conveying the greetings of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan to the participating heads of state and government, along with best wishes for the success of the summit and continued prosperity for the peoples of the EAEU member states. Sheikh Khaled also expressed his appreciation to President Alexander Lukashenko for the warm welcome and hospitality and for inviting the UAE to participate in the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council meeting hosted by the Republic of Belarus. He reaffirmed the UAE's commitment to strengthening its relations with the member states of the EAEU and to advancing together towards new horizons of shared growth and economic partnership. He underscored the importance of fostering closer cooperation to generate greater trade and investment opportunities for both sides. The Supreme Eurasian Economic Council meeting was attended by Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation; Alexander Lukashenko, President of the Republic of Belarus; Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan; and Sadyr Japarov, President of the Kyrgyz Republic. Also in attendance were representatives of Observer States to the EAEU: Miguel Mario Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, President of the Republic of Cuba; Shavkat Miromonovich Mirziyoyev, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan; in addition to representatives of invited countries: Min Aung Hlaing, Prime Minister of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar; Laureano Ortega Murillo, Advisor to the Co-Presidents of the Republic of Nicaragua for Investment, Trade, and International Cooperation; and Nyam-Osoryn Uchral, First Deputy Prime Minister of Mongolia, Minister of Economy and Development of Mongolia. During the meeting, Sheikh Khaled and leaders of the member states of the Eurasian Economic Union witnessed the exchange of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the Eurasian Economic Union that aims to eliminate trade barriers and unlock opportunities in vital sectors, including renewable energy, logistics and construction services. Sheikh Khaled highlighted that the agreement marks a significant milestone in UAE-EAEU relations, serving as a catalyst to further increase trade volumes and unlock new avenues of economic cooperation. He underscored that the UAE, through the EPA, aims to strengthen ties between business communities, investors and entrepreneurs across UAE and EAEU member states, laying a foundation for robust economic cooperation while reflecting the depth of friendship and constructive collaboration binding the UAE and the EAEU member nations. The agreement is expected to further enhance private-sector collaboration, strengthen supply chains, and empower entrepreneurs and SMEs to expand their operations globally. Building on years of economic cooperation, bilateral non-oil trade between the UAE and EAEU nations grew by 27 per cent in 2024 to reach US$29 billion, while trade between the two partners witnessed a fourfold increase since 2021. The EPA was signed by Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade; Mher Grigoryan, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia; Natalia Petkevitch, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Belarus; Serik Zhumangarin, Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of National Economy of the Republic of Kazakhstan; Daniyar Amangeldiev, First Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic; Alexey Overchuk, Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation; and Bakytzhan Sagintayev, Chairman of the Eurasian Economic Commission Board. WAM
The Star
12 hours ago
- Business
- The Star
EAEU signs trade agreements with UAE, Mongolia
MINSK, June 27 (Xinhua) -- The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Mongolia signed trade agreements with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) on Friday in Minsk. The leaders of the EAEU countries signed an agreement on economic partnership with the United Arab Emirates, and an interim trade agreement with Mongolia at a meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko welcomed the signing of the agreements at the summit in the Belarusian capital. The Belarusian leader said the most important tool for promoting the common interests of the EAEU member countries in the international arena is the creation of free trade zones of the union with third countries. Lukashenko said the expansion of the pool of countries that have concluded such agreements with the EAEU confirms the correctness of the international vector of the union's activities. The meeting was held coinciding with the Eurasian Economic Forum in Minsk on June 26-27. Minsk is chairing the EAEU bodies in 2025.
