Relations between the Central Asian 5 (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan) have acquired positive dynamics in recent years. The Foreign Affairs Minister of Russia Sergey Lavrov stated at the international conference on Afghanistan «Peace Process, Security Cooperation and Regional Cooperation» in Tashkent. TASS reported.

According to his assessment, thereby «conditions are created not only to solve intra-regional problems, but also to provide a coordinated assistance to Afghanistan in launching the process of national reconciliation.»

According to him, Central Asia occupies an important place among the foreign policy priorities of the Russian Federation. «Russia maintains relations of strategic partnership and alliance with the states of the region, covering almost all areas of interaction — both in bilateral format, and through CIS, CSTO and other integration structures,» the Foreign Affairs Minister stated.

The Minister drew attention to the successful development of economic ties. «Russian investments in the region amount to $ 20 billion, more than 7,500 Russian and joint companies work there,» he said.

In addition, the Russian Foreign Affairs Minister stressed, cooperation in the field of security agencies is developing dynamically, within the framework of which Russia renders significant assistance to the Central Asian states on a non-reimbursable basis.

«The scale of Russia’s diverse cooperation with the countries of Central Asia, our assistance and support strengthen their ability to withstand such challenges and threats as terrorism, extremism, organized crime, drug trafficking, illegal migration,» said Sergey Lavrov.