World Bulletin / News Desk

Kazakhstan's Foreign Minister Yerlan Idrisov dismissed claims that the establishment of Eurasian Economic Union is a Russian plan to revive the glory days of the Soviet Union.

"Our sole plan is not to fall behind global economic trends and to improve life standards," Idrisov said while briefing diplomats in the Kazakh capital, Astana, on Monday.

Rejecting claims that the union has a secret agenda, he said neither Kazakhstan nor Belarus would have joined the union if there had been concerns over one country dominating the others.

On Thursday, Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan signed a deal that anticipates the formation of a new trading block named the Eurasian Economic Union.

The establishment of the union prompted comments that it was masterminded by Russia to revive its former sphere of influence during the Soviet era and to form a counterweight to the U.S. and the EU.

Idrisov stressed that the three countries would cooperate closely with the EU and China, denying allegations that the union was formed against the European club.