Russian President Vladimir Putin said Eurasian Economic Union is open to the CIS states that have not joined the union so far.

“Strengthening of close friendly ties, development of mutually beneficial economic cooperation with neighbors is a key strategic direction of Russia's foreign policy designed for long-term perspective,” president said during the meeting with Russian diplomats.

Putin recalled a treaty on Eurasian Economic Union that was signed in Astana on May 29, and it marks qualitatively new level of interaction, ITAR-TASS reported.

He noted that a powerful and attractive center of economic development is being formed. The Russian leader emphasized that the new alliance stirs interest of CIS partners. In particular, Armenia will become a member soon, while the talks with Kyrgyzstan are underway.