Russia stands ready to start consultations on the CIS countries’ European Union (EU) association. But if these agreements were to have a negative impact on CIS free trade zone, Moscow will take official steps consistent with the World Trade Organization rules, Russia FM Sergei Lavrov stated.  

According to him, official Moscow’s main objective is to find out what repercussions await Russian trade once the EU and the CIS countries sign the association agreements.   

Lavrov recalled that Russia has a CIS free trade zone agreement with Moldova and Ukraine, whereas Georgia, despite not being in the CIS, participates in several trade and economic agreements. 

The three association agreements are slated for signing on Friday, and they will enter into force after ratification.