Lukashenko: CIS retains its relevance

The Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) does not lose its relevance, despite the existing difficulties, Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko said at the All-Belarusian People's Assembly, Report informs with reference to TASS.

"Despite the objective difficulties, the CIS fully retains its relevance as a regional organization," he said.

According to Lukashenko, the CIS suffered heavy losses with Ukraine's withdrawal from the union.

"But we hope that Ukraine will return to us," Lukashenko added.

"Belarus's key priority in the Commonwealth remains unchanged - to develop the association as a mechanism for the most beneficial economic interaction. Belarus's chairmanship in the CIS in 2021 aims to achieve this goal," the president concluded.