President Putin with actor Mikhail Yevdokimov during a boat trip down the Katun River.
The President said he believes that Russia, Belarus, Ukraine and Kazakhstan will be able to create a common economic area. This should go ahead on a voluntary basis, uphold the principle of sovereignty, and decisions regarding it should be taken with a full understanding of the advantages it offers.
The High-Level Group was established on the initiative of the four countries involved to draft the necessary documents and agreements for the creation of a common economic area encompassing Russia, Belarus, Ukraine and Kazakhstan.