The development of the Commonwealth of Independent States (hereinafter referred to as the CIS) is in the vital interests of the Russian Federation, and relations with the CIS countries are an important factor in Russia’s inclusion in world political and economic structures.
I. The objectives and main tasks of the Strategic Course of Russia with the States members of the Commonwealth of Independent States
1. The priority of relations with the States members of the Commonwealth of Independent States (hereinafter referred to as the CIS countries) in the policy of the Russian Federation is determined primarily by the fact that:
in the territory of the CIS our main vital interests are concentrated in the field of economy, defense, security, protection of the rights of Russians, the provision of which forms the basis of the national security of the country;
effective cooperation with the CIS states is a factor that opposes centrifugal tendencies in Russia itself.
2. The main goal of Russia’s policy towards the CIS is to create an integrated economic and political unification of states that can claim a worthy place in the world community.
3. Developing relations with partners in the CIS, it is important to firmly adhere to the principle of undiminishing the interests of Russia. Multidirectional interests of partners need to be coordinated on the basis of a balance of mutual compromises.
4. The main objectives of Russia’s policy towards the CIS states:
ensuring reliable stability in all its dimensions: political, military, economic, humanitarian and legal;
assistance to the formation of CIS states as politically and economically stable states pursuing a friendly policy towards Russia;
strengthening of Russia as the leading force in the formation of a new system of interstate, political and economic relations in the territory of the post-Soviet space;
build-up of integration processes in the CIS.
II. Economic cooperation
5. Consider mutually beneficial economic cooperation as the fundamental prerequisite for solving the entire complex of issues of relations with the CIS states. To solve this task, optimally combining multilateral within the framework of the Economic Union and bilateral forms of relations.
6. In the development of trade relations proceed from the fact that they represent an important tool for stabilizing the economic situation and emerging from the crisis both in Russia and in the CIS countries.
7. One of the most important ways of organizational strengthening of the CIS is the gradual expansion of the Customs Union, which includes states, Russia’s deeply integrated economy and strategic political partnership.
To conduct business to gradual, in process of maturing of conditions, joining of other members of the Economic union to the Customs union.
To achieve rapprochement of national economic systems by working out together with partners ways of improving common model acts within the framework of the Interparliamentary Assembly of Member Nations of the Commonwealth of Independent States.
The model of multi-speed integration offered by Russia within the CIS framework is not mandatory. However, the attitude of our partners to this model will be an important factor determining the scale of economic, political and military support from Russia.
In order to strengthen and expand the Customs Union, bilateral agreements should not give their participants equal (and even greater) advantages than those enjoyed by members of the union.
8. To consider the normalization of payment and settlement relations as an important condition for the development and improvement of cooperation. In this regard, accelerate the practical work on the formation of the Payment Union, meaning the establishment of common rules for the organizations of the currency markets of the CIS countries, the application of the exchange rate of currencies formed in accordance with demand and supply, the achievement of mutual convertibility of national currencies and the use in the foreseeable future of the Russian ruble in as a reserve currency.
9. The formation of a viable integration community implies effective cooperation in the development of production, science and technology.
The most important directions of this work are:
identification of common scientific and technological priorities and implementation of a joint strategy for the purpose of forming a single scientific and technological space;
coordination of the processes of structural reorganization of the national economy with access to the development of common interstate investment programs;
provision of conditions for joint work of scientists and production specialists;
joint efforts to solve environmental problems and protect the environment.
10. Consistently solve the problem of convergence of national legal and economic conditions for the creation of joint property on the basis of free entrepreneurial activity, creating in the future a common capital market. Provide comprehensive state support to the creation of financial and industrial groups with the participation of enterprises and banks of the CIS countries, the formation of transnational production, scientific and technical and other structures.
11. Ensure the necessary conditions for the functioning of the Interstate Economic Committee of the Economic Union of the Member States of the Commonwealth of Independent States as an international organization aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of cooperation within the CIS.
III. National security
12. To conduct business to create a system of collective security on the basis of the Collective Security Treaty (CST) of May 15, 1992 and bilateral agreements between the CIS states. Encourage the intention of the CST member states to unite in a defense alliance on the basis of common interests and military and political goals.
Consistently work to streamline the mechanism for implementing the agreements reached within the framework of the CIS in the defense area, preserving, on the basis of mutual agreement, military infrastructure facilities. In the case of a mutual interest, to proceed to the principle of military basing, I clearly regulate the legal status of Russian military bases, as well as the status of servicemen and members of their families in these states.
To resolve these issues is adequate to the military-political situation that is developing in each state of the CIS.
To seek from CIS states the fulfillment of the obligation to refrain from participation in alliances and blocs directed against any of these states.
13. Deepen cooperation between the CIS states in the security of state borders.
It is based on the fact that the national interests of Russia and the common interests of the CIS states correspond to the reliable protection of the borders along the perimeter of the CIS, which is their common business and should be carried out jointly.
Complete work on the settlement of a complex of border issues with the CIS states and create a legal basis for the stay of the Border Troops of the Russian Federation in these countries. To study the possibility of creating in the future regional associations of commanders of the border troops of the CIS countries, strives to create a unified system for protecting their borders.
At the same time, taking into account the foreign policy situation, to develop the state border of the Russian Federation with all neighboring countries in accordance with the Law of the Russian Federation “On the State Border of the Russian Federation”, taking into account that the preservation of the principle of openness of borders within the CIS corresponds to Russia’s long-term plans. In practice, be guided by a differentiated approach to individual sections of the state border of the Russian Federation, depending on the state of bilateral relations with this or that state.
14. To proceed from the fact that an important component of efforts to ensure stability in the territory of the CIS is peacekeeping, aimed at the settlement and prevention of conflicts in the CIS countries, the advantage of peaceful political and diplomatic means.
To work to ensure that peacekeeping is the fruit of the collective efforts of the CIS states through their more active participation at all stages of the work to establish a mechanism for the prompt resolution of peacekeeping issues within the CIS. All work in this direction is to be carried out in cooperation with the UN and the OSCE, to seek real participation of these international organizations in the settlement of conflicts on the territory of the CIS.
At the same time, in cooperation with third countries and international organizations, to reach from their side an understanding that this region is primarily a zone of Russia’s interests.
To develop cooperation through security services, primarily with a view to preventing the use of CIS territories by special services of third countries in hostile purposes. To cooperate with the security services of the CIS states with strict observance of the legislation of the Russian Federation and respect for Russia’s international obligations in the field of human rights.
IY. Humanitarian cooperation and human rights
15. Intensify the cultural exchange of Russia with the states of the near abroad, cooperation with them in the field of science, education, sports. To provide Russian TV and radio broadcasting to the near abroad, to support the promotion of the Russian press in this region, to train in Russia national personnel for the CIS countries.
Particular attention should be paid to restoring Russia’s position as the main educational center in the territory of the post-Soviet space, bearing in mind the need to educate the younger generation of CIS states in the spirit of friendly relations with Russia.
To establish a mutual exchange of information and cooperation of the National Commissions for UNESCO of the CIS countries.
16. To achieve real security for all citizens of the CIS countries regardless of nationality and other differences of equal rights and freedoms. To promote the expression, preservation and development of the ethnic, cultural linguistic and religious identity of all peoples inhabiting these countries.
Actively promote the adaptation of Russians to the new political and socio-economic realities in their countries of permanent residence in the former Soviet republics.
In the case of violations of the rights of Russians in the CIS countries as a possible measure of influence, to decide the issues of Russia’s financial, economic, military-political and other cooperation with a particular state depend on a real position in the sphere of observing the rights and interests of Russians on its territory.
Assist the Russians in carrying out production and economic, entrepreneurial, commercial, cultural, educational, educational activities.
To complete the elaboration within the CIS of a legal framework regulating the relations of the CIS states in the field of observing the fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals and national minorities, bearing in mind the need to remove the acuteness of the national question in principle.
V. Coordination of activities to address international problems and interaction with the world community
17. Persistently and consistently bring our partners in the CIS to the development of common positions on international issues, coordination of actions on the world stage. By joint efforts, to seek further approval of the CIS as an influential regional organization and, at its level, to establish large-scale and mutually beneficial cooperation with authoritative international forums and organizations.
18. To proceed from the fact that the most important factor that can hamper centrifugal tendencies in the CIS should be the growing effectiveness of mutual cooperation.
The main efforts to focus on agreeing the positions of the CIS states in the UN, the OSCE, as well as their approaches to relations with NATO, the EU, the Council of Europe.
VI. Main tasks of bilateral relations
19. Bilateral relations with CIS states are formed taking into account the specifics of each of these states and their readiness for various forms of in-depth integration. When carrying out Russian policy towards the CIS states, on the bilateral basis, proceed from the fact that Russia’s interests correspond to:
assistance in stabilizing the political, economic and social situation in these countries;
At the same time, in cooperation with third countries and international organizations, to reach from their side an understanding that this region is primarily a zone of Russia’s interests.
To develop cooperation through security services, primarily with a view to preventing the use of CIS territories by special services of third countries in hostile purposes. To cooperate with the security services of the CIS states with strict observance of the legislation of the Russian Federation and respect for Russia’s international obligations in the field of human rights.
IY. Humanitarian cooperation and human rights
15. Intensify the cultural exchange of Russia with the states of the near abroad, cooperation with them in the field of science, education, sports. To provide Russian TV and radio broadcasting to the near abroad, to support the promotion of the Russian press in this region, to train in Russia national personnel for the CIS countries.
Particular attention should be paid to restoring Russia’s position as the main educational center in the territory of the post-Soviet space, bearing in mind the need to educate the younger generation of CIS states in the spirit of friendly relations with Russia.
To establish a mutual exchange of information and cooperation of the National Commissions for UNESCO of the CIS countries.
16. To achieve real security for all citizens of the CIS countries regardless of nationality and other differences of equal rights and freedoms. To promote the expression, preservation and development of the ethnic, cultural linguistic and religious identity of all peoples inhabiting these countries.
Actively promote the adaptation of Russians to the new political and socio-economic realities in their countries of permanent residence in the former Soviet republics.
In the case of violations of the rights of Russians in the CIS countries as a possible measure of influence, to decide the issues of Russia’s financial, economic, military-political and other cooperation with a particular state depend on a real position in the sphere of observing the rights and interests of Russians on its territory.
Assist the Russians in carrying out production and economic, entrepreneurial, commercial, cultural, educational, educational activities.
To complete the elaboration within the CIS of a legal framework regulating the relations of the CIS states in the field of observing the fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals and national minorities, bearing in mind the need to remove the acuteness of the national question in principle.
V. Coordination of activities to address international problems and interaction with the world community
17. Persistently and consistently bring our partners in the CIS to the development of common positions on international issues, coordination of actions on the world stage. By joint efforts, to seek further approval of the CIS as an influential regional organization and, at its level, to establish large-scale and mutually beneficial cooperation with authoritative international forums and organizations.
18. To proceed from the fact that the most important factor that can hamper centrifugal tendencies in the CIS should be the growing effectiveness of mutual cooperation.
The main efforts to focus on agreeing the positions of the CIS states in the UN, the OSCE, as well as their approaches to relations with NATO, the EU, the Council of Europe.
VI. Main tasks of bilateral relations
19. Bilateral relations with CIS states are formed taking into account the specifics of each of these states and their readiness for various forms of in-depth integration. When carrying out Russian policy towards the CIS states, on the bilateral basis, proceed from the fact that Russia’s interests correspond to:
assistance in stabilizing the political, economic and social situation in these countries;
a deep phased involvement of them on a voluntary basis in integration processes, in the collective solution of issues of military security, border security, peacekeeping;
preventing the confrontational nature of Russia’s relations with the CIS countries.
20. The subject of constant concern in bilateral economic relations should be:
maintaining balance of payments on the basis of long-term agreements;
Preservation of Russia’s leading position in the CIS markets, especially in the sale of finished products;
fulfillment of obligations on cooperative ties, prevention of arrears in commodity deliveries and normalization of payment and credit relations;
Favoring the transit of Russian goods across the territories of these states.
VII. On the domestic mechanism for the implementation of this Strategic Framework for the CIS
21. The Government of the Russian Federation is improving the Russian mechanism for implementing the strategy for the CIS, clarifying the competence of ministries and agencies performing certain functions in the sphere of relations with the CIS countries, systematically strengthening the legal basis for cooperation with these states.
22. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, which exercises state management in the sphere of relations of the Russian Federation with foreign states, ensures the implementation of the overall strategy and coordination of foreign policy with the CIS countries.
23. The Ministry of the Russian Federation for cooperation with the States members of the Commonwealth of Independent States is responsible for the implementation of the economic and social policy of the Russian Federation in the sphere of relations with the CIS states
organizes the work and coordinates the activities of federal executive bodies and executive authorities of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation to develop cooperation with the CIS countries in the economic and social fields:
carries out the organization of the negotiation process and the preparation of bilateral and multilateral treaties and agreements with the CIS countries on economic and social issues:
promotes foreign economic activity of economic entities of the Russian Federation with the CIS countries;
controls the implementation of the agreements reached with the CIS states and the implementation of obligations under the treaties and agreements of the Russian Federation with these states.
24. To create a Government Commission on the Commonwealth of Independent States as a body ensuring the implementation of the state policy of the Russian Federation in the field of cooperation with these states.
Advancement in all these areas creates a real opportunity to build in the future a regional international organization capable of providing political and socio-economic stability in the CIS.