Kazakhstan, Astana, Sept. 5 / Trend D. Mukhtarov /
Armenia's decision to join the Customs Union is more a political action for neighbouring countries to see a response, Kazakh political analyst Eduard Poletayev said today.
Armenia's accession to the Customs Union will not bring great changes in trade relations for Kazakhstan, he told Trend today.
"Armenia is not a very prospective partner for Kazakhstan for a number of reasons," he said. "First there is a very low turnover. Second, we import little from there except for brandy and Jermuk mineral water. Third, the transportation of goods from Armenia via Iran and Georgia by sea makes these products uncompetitive. Therefore, Kazakhstan expects no great benefits and changes as a result of Armenia's accession to the Customs Union."
Meanwhile, Armenia's accession to the Customs Union may create some difficulties for Kazakhstan in political terms.
"We have a Turkic-speaking partner in the South Caucasus which is Azerbaijan," he added. "We have a good trade turnover. The Kazakh Foreign Ministry will have to show the wonders of diplomacy to be careful in this respect."
He also recalled that Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Ukraine were considered as new members of the Customs Union.
He added that there is no important prospect for Russia as a result of Armenia's accession to the Customs Union. However, Russia wants to have an outpost in the South Caucasus and Armenia ensures this being a CSTO member.
"The issue on Armenia has recently arisen," he added. "The mechanisms of its joining must be worked out, but this will not cover a year."
As for the lack of common borders among Armenia and the Customs Union member states, this is an insignificant obstacle.
"Even Vietnam hinted that it wants to become a member of the Customs Union," he said. "The matter rests in the political background."
Last Tuesday, Armenian president Serzh Sargsyan voiced the decision of the republic to join the Customs Union and take the necessary practical actions and participate in the formation of the Eurasian Economic Union.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has supported the decision and expressed Russia's readiness to fully contribute towards the process.