Russia "actively" dovetailing Eurasian bloc, BRI

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said Monday that the country and its partners are "actively" dovetailing the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) with the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

Agreements have been reached covering several areas of cooperation, Mishustin said at the 19th meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of Member States of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) held via video link.

"It is necessary to work out specific parameters for connecting national strategies and multilateral projects. The SCO serves as a key link in the formation of an open, mutually beneficial and equal space for cooperation in Eurasia," he said.

The SCO has "a strong potential" to ensure sustainable economic development and security in the region, and its member states have "large room for cooperation" in many areas from economics and politics to security and humanity, Mishustin said.

The prime minister said the SCO should pay great attention to the digital economy, the introduction of modern technologies, the development of transport infrastructure, and inter-regional cooperation.

"With the participation of the countries of the SCO, the EAEU, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and other regional blocs, we will be able to build the Greater Eurasian Partnership, a space for joint development and security," Mishustin said.