Multifaceted cooperation between Central Asia and Russia

NUR-SULTAN, October 15, 2020 - Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Mukhtar Tileuberdi participated in the third «Central Asia + Russia» meeting of Foreign Ministers. The platform is particularly important for consolidating the efforts of the parties in overcoming the negative consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as in light of political, socio-economic and environmental problems in the world.

The participants of the online meeting noted that cooperation between the Central Asian countries and Russia is developing in accordance with the traditions of centuries-old friendship, mutual respect and trust, as well as the creative processes of the Eurasian region. The dialogue is in the common interest of all parties and is an important factor for economic growth and security in the region.

There has been a comprehensive exchange of views on issues of expanding long-term multi-faceted cooperation and deepening interstate ties in order to strengthen security and ensure sustainable growth in Central Asia. The prospects of trade, economic and energy interaction, implementation of important initiatives of the countries of the «Central Asia and Russia» format in the transport and transit sphere, as well as issues concerning the mobility of citizens and the epidemiological situation in the Eurasian region were considered.

Current challenges facing healthcare systems as well as environmental conditions in Central Asian countries were also discussed. Special attention is paid to strengthening cultural and humanitarian cooperation.

Ministers expressed their readiness to focus the efforts of the foreign ministries on strategically important areas of collaboration and expand economic and interregional cooperation.

Following the results of the meeting, a Joint Statement was adopted by the Foreign Ministers of Central Asia and Russia.