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Summing up the results of the CIS summit, Mr Putin said that the CIS has needed potential and good development prospects, but at the same time, significant changes have taken place in the post-Soviet area over recent years and the organisation needs to adapt to today’s conditions. The CIS leaders reacted positively to the proposals made by the working group on reforming and improving the way the organisation functions, Mr Putin said.

Commenting on bilateral energy sector relations with Belarus, the President said that Russia’s Gazprom and Belarusian company Beltransgaz would create a joint venture on a parity basis. The final decisions would be taken very soon, Mr Putin said, noting also that Russia intends shifting to market relations with all of its partners in the energy sector.

Responding to one question, Mr Putin said that he had the opportunity to speak briefly with practically all of his CIS colleagues in the corridors at the summit, including with Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili, though he had a longer and more substantial meeting with President of Moldova Vladimir Voronin.