The Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) may sign a free trade agreement with Israel in 2017, Eurasian Economic Commission’s Minister of Trade said Thursday, May 19, local media report.

"We want to begin talks on a free trade deal with Israel and possibly conclude it already next year," Veronika Nikishina said on the sidelines of the ASEAN — Russia Business Forum in the Russian city of Sochi.

The EEU Commission wants to create a schedule with different non-member countries on possible free trade pacts, she added.

China, Iran and Israel would top the list, Nikishina added, stressing that the EEU research groups are completing the study of potential benefits for deals with India and Egypt. There is also a long-term perspective of a deal with South Korea, the minister added.

Cambodia and Singapore have filed formal requests for considering a similar agreement with the EEU, Nikishina stated.