Vladimir Putin's introductory remarks:

I would like to greet all of you. Welcome to St Petersburg!

Today, we have held a number of meetings aimed at further expanding the integration process within the Eurasian Economic Community.

With our colleagues from Belarus and Kazakhstan, we discussed practical steps to set up a Customs Union starting January 1, 2010 and reached a number of agreements concerning the interaction of our economies on an entirely new basis.

The meeting was followed by a EurAsEC prime ministers' discussion and exchange of opinion on the community's current and advanced agenda. We spoke of the necessity to expand integration, something that is crucially important in the current financial and economic crisis.
At this meeting, we will continue discussing urgent agenda items, sign the negotiation documents and hold a press conference, finishing our work in an informal manner.

In conclusion, let me once again cordially welcome you to St Petersburg. Thank you.

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At our restricted meeting, we discussed in detail both the agenda and the issues which we believe are of great importance. Some of our colleagues introduced certain additions, all of them being coordinated. We fully support the agenda and the agreements reached at this authoritative level.

The Russian delegation will support every step and decision made by our colleagues prior to this meeting.

Thank you.