Moscow, October 09, 2024 – The Europe Today: Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko has emphasized the need for the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) to form a strong union of powerful, economically self-sufficient sovereign states. Addressing the CIS summit in Moscow, Lukashenko called for more effective use of the regional integration potential, highlighting that the common goal for the CIS members is clear: to strengthen cooperation while respecting national interests and achieving economic self-sufficiency.
“A lot has already been done, but we still have much to strive for,” President Lukashenko noted, outlining key areas where the CIS could work toward achieving greater unity and influence on the international stage.
Strengthening the CIS’s International Status
Lukashenko emphasized the importance of bolstering the CIS’s presence on the global stage, calling for unified efforts in international forums. “We should more often unite our voices into one, the voice of the CIS,” he urged, pointing to the current deep crisis in international relations. He cited the recent example of Israel barring the UN Secretary-General from entering the country, illustrating the growing disregard for international norms.
The Belarusian leader also stressed the need for the CIS to stand together against illegal unilateral economic sanctions, which now pose a risk to all CIS countries. He called for a collective approach to counter these restrictions, which have increasingly affected the entire region.
Countering Extremist Ideologies
Lukashenko praised Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev for his initiative to develop a Program of Cooperation in Deradicalization, aimed at countering extremist ideologies and preventing citizens from being drawn into illegal activities, including terrorism. He also proposed intensifying cybersecurity collaboration among CIS law enforcement agencies, as part of broader efforts to protect the region from external threats.
Achieving Technological Sovereignty
Describing technological sovereignty as the “number one issue” for the CIS, Lukashenko stressed the importance of developing the region’s own technological capabilities. He pointed out the reluctance of Western companies to share their latest technological advancements, particularly in sectors like healthcare, and called for greater efforts to introduce indigenous innovations and develop a self-sufficient technological base.
“The current positive economic performance of the CIS countries is a result of maintaining ties across various sectors,” he said, adding that these connections should be leveraged to boost technological independence and ensure stable economic growth.
Promoting CIS Values
Lukashenko also underscored the importance of promoting and preserving the CIS’s unique system of values, which are deeply rooted in the historical experiences of its member states. He noted that these values, unlike those of Europe or the United States, are organically established and essential for future generations to understand the importance of national sovereignty and unity.
“Our children should know common historical achievements such as the Great Victory, the post-war labor achievements, and the first human flight into space,” Lukashenko said, stressing the importance of passing on these shared experiences to future generations through education, storytelling, and cultural projects.
He also highlighted the revival of youth construction projects within the CIS as a practical step in this direction, citing the current initiative in Belarus to build the National Center of Patriotic Education in Brest Fortress with the participation of CIS youth.
In his address, President Lukashenko called for sustained efforts to strengthen cooperation among the CIS member states, ensuring that they remain united in facing both regional and global challenges.
