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Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan Agree to Create Economic Union
The leaders of Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan have signed an agreement to create an alliance for free trade and coordinating important economic policies.
At a ceremony Thursday in Kazakhstan's capital, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Kazakh leader Nursultan Nazarbayev touted what they called a historic pact.
Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus map
Belarussian President Alexander Lukashenko described the alliance, known as the Eurasian Economic Union, as a hard-fought agreement to tie the region together.
"For many years we have been walking together down a thorny path of Eurasian integration," he said. "Every step was difficult, but we have always seen the main objective: to make our peoples live in peace and friendship."
The union builds on an existing customs union among the three countries.
Ukraine decided not to take part in the alliance, after its pro-Russia president was ousted in February.
VOA
At a ceremony Thursday in Kazakhstan's capital, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Kazakh leader Nursultan Nazarbayev touted what they called a historic pact.
Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus map"For many years we have been walking together down a thorny path of Eurasian integration," he said. "Every step was difficult, but we have always seen the main objective: to make our peoples live in peace and friendship."
The union builds on an existing customs union among the three countries.
Ukraine decided not to take part in the alliance, after its pro-Russia president was ousted in February.
VOA
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