The strategies of the United States and the European Union for the development of Central Asia have proven ineffective, and their anti-Russia and anti-China focus "raises many questions," Rashid Alimov, former Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), said in an interview with the Global Times.
"This is not the first time that the US and the EU are working out their own strategies for Central Asia's development. The first ones turned out to be ineffective and left no infrastructure facilities behind," - Alimov stated. - "The latest strategies also raise many questions, including their anti-China and anti-Russian orientation, as well as the arrogant and condescending attitude towards Central Asian partners on the part of Western leaders."
Alimov contrasted these Western strategies with China's Belt and Road Initiative, which he described as involving "broad consultations" and offering mutual benefits from joint projects. "The China-led initiative is based on a win-win situation that is already being felt in Central Asia," he emphasized.
Alimov also pointed out the uncertainty surrounding future cooperation between Central Asian countries and the EU and the US. "Only time will show what practical effect the new strategies of the European Union and the United States will have," he concluded.
The Belt and Road Initiative, proposed in 2013 by Chinese President Xi Jinping, aims to boost multilateral trade and investment projects involving participating countries, utilizing both Chinese and foreign capital. To date, more than 150 countries and over 30 international organizations have joined the initiative.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
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Based on materials from TASS