Putin discusses sanctions and bans with Nazarbayev and Lukashenko

President of Russia Vladimir Putin has discussed trade and economic harmonization in the context of Russia’s ban of Western imports of food with Kazakhstan and Belarus, Tengrinews reports citing RIA Novosti.

Besides, Putin, Nazarbayev and Lukashenko discussed cooperation in the framework of the future Eurasian Economic Union, its development and expansion. They concluded that Armenia’s joining to the Union was not supposed to violate interests of the Customs Union.

Speaking about the Ukrainian crisis, the Presidents agreed that it was important to achieve a cease fire and start Intra-Ukrainian political dialogue.

The presidents agreed on measures to be taken in regards to the ban on import of food and raw materials from the US, the European Union and other Western countries introduced by Russia. President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko promised Russia to ensure transparency at the boarders and keep developing the partner relations between the two countries.

In response to the sanctions introduced by Western countries, on August 7 Russian president Putin signed a decree introducing market restrictions banning some types of agricultural products, raw materials and food products imported from the countries supporting sanctions against Russia.

Meanwhile, Kazakhstan has plans of occupying the niches previously held by the now banned importers of agricultural products.

“The President has clearly stated Kazakhstan's position: we stand for a peaceful resolution [of the conflict in Ukraine] and support a constructive dialogue. However, we see some new opportunities emerging. You have witnessed Russia introduce sanctions against traditional suppliers of food products, fruit and vegetables, such as Moldova and Poland. Clearly, Russia will try to develop its own production, but for us, too, there are opportunities in the areas that will be hit by the sanctions,” the head of the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs of Kazakhstan Ablai Myrzakhmetov said earlier this week.

Writing by Gyuzel Kamalova, editing by Tatyana Kuzmina