On 28 May, Astana hosted the plenary session of the V Eurasian Economic Forum titled “The EAEU in the Global Digital Race: Betting on Artificial Intelligence.”
The keynote speakers of the event were the Heads of State of the Eurasian Economic Union member countries: President of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov, President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin, as well as Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia Mher Grigoryan and Chairman of the Board of the Eurasian Economic Commission Bakytzhan Sagintayev.
The plenary session was also attended by distinguished guests, including Vice President of the Republic of Cuba Salvador Valdés Mesa, Deputy Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Ho Quoc Dung, Minister of Industry, Mine and Trade of the Islamic Republic of Iran Mohammad Atabak, and Minister of State for Foreign Trade of the United Arab Emirates Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi.
In his speech, Bakytzhan Sagintayev emphasized the importance of the key theme of EEF-2026 for the further development of Eurasian economic integration.
“This topic reflects the priorities outlined in the address of President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to the Heads of State of the Union and highlights the strategic importance of artificial intelligence in the modern world,” noted the Head of the EEC Board. “Today, we are at a point where technological changes determine not only economic development, but also the strategic positions of states.”
As Bakytzhan Sagintayev stressed, amid the global digital race, artificial intelligence is becoming a key factor of competitiveness and sovereignty. At the same time, the digital sovereignty of states remains a fundamental principle.
“Effective development of artificial intelligence technologies is impossible in isolation. The Joint Statement on the Responsible Development of Artificial Intelligence adopted today by the leaders of the Eurasian Five was prepared in line with this approach,” explained Bakytzhan Sagintayev.
The new document sets guidelines for coordinated actions by the member states aimed at advancing Eurasian economic integration.
“It is advisable to approach the issue of using artificial intelligence in the economy only after conducting a comprehensive analysis of all possible risks. Artificial intelligence is a tool for enhancing human capabilities. However, the final decision must always remain with humans,” concluded Bakytzhan Sagintayev.
Participants of the plenary session noted that achieving the stated objectives requires the active involvement of профильных government agencies and leading technology companies of the EAEU member states that possess the necessary expertise and resources.
