Russia’s interest in Central Asia

Deputy Prime Minister of Russia Igor Shuvalov highlighted in his statement of January 20, 2010 that the Central Asian region is a priority for the Russian Federation within the CIS area. Shuvalov insisted that the future pattern of development of the CIS much depends on the states of this region. He highlighted that Russia should do its utmost to achieve more viable results in realising plans for the CIS.

In 2010 Russia will be CIS Chair country and this should be the year of science and innovation. Senior Russian officials have promised that as Chair of the CIS Russia will use all its resources for strengthening the commonwealth.

Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan Daniar Huseinov has also stated that Kyrgyzstan was and will be Russia’s reliable and consistent partner, not only in Central Asia but any regional organisation including the CIS, Euro-Asia collective agreements and etc. He highlighted that Russia is an absolutely strategic partner for Kyrgyzstan.