Moscow weighs participating with Central Asian states, Azerbaijan in consultative talks

Russia believes it is worth considering the possibility of joining the consultative meetings of the heads of state of Central Asia and Azerbaijan, a step that would help strengthen coordination and create a more inclusive security architecture.

According to TASS, Alexey Zenko, First Secretary at the Russian Embassy in Tajikistan, made the remarks in Dushanbe during the international academic conference “Central Eurasian States in the Process of ‘Integration of Integrations’: Priorities, Modes of Interaction, Opportunities.”

“We are observing the development of the ‘Central Asian Five’ format with great interest and note the decision to include Azerbaijan in the consultative meetings of the region’s heads of state,” Zenko said.

He added, “Given Russia’s geographical and historical proximity to Central Asia, as well as our well-developed economic and transport links, it makes sense to consider the possibility of Russia joining this format. This would help strengthen coordination, promote integration, and create a more inclusive security architecture, while preserving the independence of the region’s countries.”

Zenko believes that these processes will undoubtedly contribute to enhanced cooperation and security in Central Asia and across the wider Eurasian space.

By Aghakazim Guliyev