Makey Reveals Details Of Plan Of ‘In-Depth Integration’ With Russia

The Russian Federation proposed the creation of several supranational structures.

The integration map of Russia and Belarus can be agreed upon by December 8. It includes the work on a unified Tax Code, said Belarusian Foreign Minister Uladzimir Makey in an interview with RBC.

“Before talking about the introduction of a single currency, the creation of a single emission center, we must first establish normal trade and economic cooperation and remove all barriers and obstacles,” he said.

At the same time, Makey noted, the map will include the work on a unified Tax Code.

“Today it seems a political goal, the work on the code should be carried out for at least several months, or even years. Nevertheless, the goal has been outlined. I think that our experts will work out all the issues related to the preparation of this document,” the minister explained.

According to Makei, during the discussion of the integration plan, the Russian side made “absolutely unacceptable” proposals. For example, the creation of several supranational structures.

“However, the “presidents” at the July 18 meeting in St. Petersburg discussed these proposals and unequivocally decided that they did not comply with the provisions of the agreement, so we should focus on economic issues, on deepening trade and economic cooperation, on agreeing on the rules related to customs legislation, with certification, standardization, and more. We must pay more attention to pursuing a coordinated agricultural and industrial policy - this is the most important thing,” he said.

Makey also admitted that on December 8, the rulers of Russia and Belarus Vladimir Putin and Aliaksandr Lukashenka may already sign the document.

- The “presidents” agreed to meet on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the Union State Treaty and set the task for the governments of both countries to prepare relevant roadmaps for resolving corresponding issues. Let's hope this will happen.

However, he added that before starting in-depth integration, urgent problems need to be resolved, and these are: “a tax maneuver, removing obstacles to the supply of agricultural and industrial products, negotiations on resolving disputes related to gas and oil prices, etc.”

Important to note, leader of the Belarusian National Congress Mikalai Statkevich, after the publication by the Russian newspaper Kommersant of an article about the plan to unite the economies of Belarus and Russia, stated his readiness to protect the sovereignty of our country.