Galuzin: West tries to push Russia out of Central Asia

The West is trying to push Russia out of Central Asia and create its own infrastructure near Russian borders, said Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin.

"We note the desire of the United States and the European Union to take control of key transport corridors and natural resources of the region. We are concerned about the activity with which Washington is pushing through deals on critically important minerals and rare earth metals. This is not just about economic competition, but an attempt to oust Russia and create Western-controlled infrastructure in the immediate vicinity of our borders," the diplomat noted.

According to him, the West offers Russia's partners projects supposedly aimed at "economic diversification" or "protection from external threats." However, behind the fine words, the desire to undermine cooperation and historical friendship is clearly visible.

"In addition, the artificial 'Russian threat syndrome' is being actively implanted. We see how Britain and some EU states are systematically promoting the narrative of an alleged danger supposedly emanating from Moscow," Galuzin emphasized.

The goal of such actions is to encourage the leadership of the countries in the region to abandon equal and mutually beneficial cooperation with Russia in favor of the short-term political gains promised by the West.

"I would like to emphasize that neither Russia nor our historical friends and strategic partners in Central Asia are interested in such scenarios. The states of the region do not want to become pawns in someone else's game. We will continue joint work to protect our common interests and develop integration processes that leave the West no chance to implement its geopolitical adventures in Eurasia," concluded the Russian deputy foreign minister.

Source: Izvestia