Alexander Sternik, Director of the Third Department of the CIS Countries of the Russian Foreign Ministry, said that Moscow respects the right of Central Asian countries to develop relations with Europe, but at the same time they must understand the selfish interests of Western leaders. The diplomat talked about this in an interview RIA News.
Sternik noted that Russia respects the sovereign right of Central Asian states to develop diplomatic activities in various fields. The Russian diplomat also emphasized that he has no doubt that Moscow appreciates the impact of the common obligations adopted in the CIS due to their real impact on the stability, depoliticization and socio-economic and political stability of the countries of the region. Within the framework of EAEU, CSTO, SCO and bilateral agreements.
Sternik also added that Russia has no illusions about the reasons for the close interest of the “West and its partners” in Central Asia. Regional states also know very well the selfish aims of Western countries. According to the Russian diplomat, the West does not hide even a fig in its pocket of secondary sanctions, openly waving at the Central Asian countries for their completely legal relations with Russia.
Previously President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin statedRussia sees the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) as an integral element in maintaining stability in Eurasia.
Previously BRICS extended Up to 11 countries.