The Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) members signed an agreement on Tuesday on the establishment of a free trade zone in the CIS region.

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin speaks at a press conference in St. Petersburg, Russia, Oct. 18, 2011. The Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) members signed an agreement on Tuesday on the establishment of a free trade zone in the CIS region. (Xinhua/Lu Jinbo) 
Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said the agreement was reached after "lengthy negotiation" at the CIS prime ministers council here earlier Tuesday.

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