Lukashenko took part in an informal meeting of CIS leaders

President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko took part in an informal meeting of CIS leaders, a BELTA correspondent reports.

The Konstantin Palace in Strelna was chosen as the venue for the event. Currently, it is the state complex "Congress Palace". The restored and renovated palace is currently used for high-level events and state receptions. However, excursions are also available here for everyone.

"We gather every year at the end of the year in such a close circle, and this has become a good established tradition. Such meetings provide a very good opportunity to summarize the activities of the Commonwealth of Independent States together, talk about future plans, and, of course, discuss pressing international issues," said the host of the informal summit, President of Russia Vladimir Putin, at the beginning of the meeting.

According to him, the outgoing year has been exceptionally active and eventful for the CIS, filled with major events and significant initiatives, for which he also credits Kyrgyzstan during its presidency of the Commonwealth.

Starting next year, Russia will assume the chairmanship of the CIS. "We plan to continue multifaceted integration activities in the spirit of continuity," stated Vladimir Putin.

The leaders' discussions continued over a friendly lunch.

In St. Petersburg on this day, the head of the Belarusian state held a bilateral meeting with President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, and also received a report from the Ambassador of Belarus to Russia, Dmitry Krutoy.

As BELTA reported, the Eurasian Economic Union summit was held in St. Petersburg the day before, which was also attended by the head of the Belarusian state, Alexander Lukashenko. Following the summit, the EAEU leaders adopted a declaration on the further development of the Eurasian Economic Union until 2030 and for the period up to 2045. Instructions were given to develop measures for the implementation of the declaration.

Source: belta.by