Authorities in Central and Middle Asian countries are taking meaningful steps to curb nationalist sentiments, and Russia is grateful for their efforts to protect the rights of Russian-speaking populations. This was stated by Yevgeny Primakov, head of the Federal Agency for the Commonwealth of Independent States (Rossotrudnichestvo), in an interview with TASS during the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.
He emphasized that Rossotrudnichestvo closely monitors the domestic political climate in these regions and acts promptly to prevent potential ethnic tensions involving Russian compatriots abroad.
"I want to stress that we are seeing local governments in these Central Asian republics consistently working to suppress and eliminate anti-Russian nationalist tendencies. This is happening across the board, and we see a consistent policy on this issue," Primakov said.
He noted that such efforts are being carried out at various levels of government — from top state leadership to regional authorities — and expressed appreciation for their support in safeguarding the rights of Russian communities.
Careful Selection for a Stronger Future
According to Primakov, one of the key tasks of Rossotrudnichestvo’s cultural centers in Central Asia is the careful selection and integration of candidates seeking education in Russia.
“We need to ensure that these individuals either share or at least respect our cultural and traditional values and have a good command of the Russian language,” he explained. “Our screening process is very thorough when it comes to verifying the documentation of those wishing to study in Russia.”
He added that Rossotrudnichestvo works closely with Russia’s Federal Agency for Ethnic Affairs and the Ministry of Internal Affairs on social, cultural, and broader integration efforts.
“I believe this work is absolutely essential, and we are actively engaged in it,” Primakov concluded.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Based on TASS materials