Russia looks to Kazakhstan, Belarus after food import ban
With significant food suppliers like the U.S. and the EU out of the picture due to the recent import ban, Russian President Vladimir Putin is investigating his options for food sourcing from within a potential Eurasian Economic Union (EEU).
Kazahkstan President Nursultan Nazarbayev and Russian President Vladimir Putin at a meeting in 2012. Photo: Presidential Press and Information Office
The union is still in the process of creation with Russia, Kazakhstan and Belarus as the nations in negotiation. Armenia, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan have also expressed interest.
A release from the Kremlin said Putin has had telephone conversations with his counterparts, Belarus' Alexander Lukashenko and Kazakhstan's Nursultan Nazarbayev.
"Various aspects of integration cooperation within the Eurasian Economic Union that is being created, including coordination of actions in trade and economic activities following the decision to limit imports to Russia of certain agricultural products, raw materials and foodstuffs from the EU nations, USA and a number of other countries, were discussed," the release said.
"During the exchange of opinion on the development of the crisis situation in Ukraine, the parties stressed the necessity of constructive joint work in various formats in order to promote a ceasefire and launch a real political dialogue in Ukraine."
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