Eurasian integration may only be built on equal rights: Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin said here Saturday that the effective integration of Eurasia may be built only on the basis of equal rights of all the Eurasian participants.

"We understand the integration as predictable, long-term rules and openness to cooperation with other countries whether in the East or the West," Putin said at the ongoing Eastern Economic Forum.

At a plenary session themed "Opening up the Russian Far East," Putin said that Russia is ready to study others' proposals attentively and look for the best possible solutions with anyone who is interested in such cooperation.

"This integration network and system of multilateral and bilateral agreements could become the foundation for developing a big Eurasian partnership," said Putin, stressing that such integration must be based on serious joint projects.

The Russian president firstly proposed to develop reliable energy infrastructure, creating an energy super-ring linking Russia, China, South Korea and Japan.

"Second is transport infrastructure and the formation of new, competitive trans-Eurasian and regional transport routes. And, third, is creating a common digital economic space," Putin said.

"We plan to put together a support system for startups on Russky Island, organizing a network of laboratories for collaborative research, and creating a modern business infrastructure, including business and exhibition centers," he said.

The second Eastern Economic Forum opened Friday in the Russian city Vladivostok, with 2,500 guests and investors from 28 countries attending. Endit