The fourth Central Asian conference of the Valdai International Discussion Club opens on Tuesday in Ufa. Experts from various countries and Russian officials will discuss the prospects for Russia and Central Asia in countering extremism, outline potential mutually beneficial solutions on migration issues, and address common environmental challenges.
The expert meeting in Ufa will last two days and conclude with an open discussion. It is anticipated that the head of Bashkortostan, Radiy Khabirov, and Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin will speak at the opening of the conference. Officials are expected to set the tone for the subsequent four sessions, which will cover all areas of strategic dialogue between Russia and Central Asia—from countering extremist threats and migration discussions to the environmental situation in the Aral Sea region and increasing investments in the area. According to Andrey Bystritsky, Chairman of the Board of the Foundation for Development and Support of the Valdai International Discussion Club, the conference's extensive agenda is designed to track "the region's development dynamics and its integration into the global configuration."
"The topic of security, trust, and cooperation lies at the heart of our discussion. The conference primarily concerns the cooperation of political elites and the populations of our countries, thus inevitably touching on the fight against terrorism and ensuring overall sustainable security for everyone," Bystritsky emphasized.
On service and trust
The topics of security and migration could become central during this round of meetings, especially since this year's Central Asian conference of Valdai is taking place a month after the tragic events at Crocus City Hall, which claimed 144 lives. Experts believe this terrorist act has heightened the need for accelerated coordination between Russia and its Central Asian partners on counter-terrorism activities. After several consultations—both bilateral contacts between countries and broader CIS discussions—Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Tajik counterpart Emomali Rahmon noted in talks at the Kremlin on May 9 that the cooperation between the Russian and Tajik special services in responding to common terrorist threats is well-established. Initial expert assessments in this area are expected at the Valdai conference.
Additionally, the sensitive issue of migration is also likely to be addressed. As previously agreed by Putin and Rahmon, the relevant departments of Russia and Tajikistan will soon hold negotiations on labor migration issues. Both presidents stressed the need for effective measures to address problems arising in the migration sphere. It is possible that Russian and international experts will outline several recommendations on this matter during the discussions in Ufa. The second and third sessions, focused on security and labor migration issues, aim to stimulate practical analysis and will be held behind closed doors to encourage more candid discussions.
"Oftentimes, openness and publicity influence the nature of statements. People may hesitate to speak frankly and reveal sensitive issues. We do not have illusions that the world is simple and that all problems can be solved with a couple of discussions. Unfortunately, no. Many issues require considerable effort and complex, often delicate conversations. To enhance the effectiveness, frankness, and constructiveness of these conversations, not all our sessions will be open," explained Bystritsky.
Analysis of challenges
The block of environmental and economic issues in the discussion is expected to be equally dense. Russia is currently working on a project to assist in overcoming the environmental situation in the region, as well as increasing investments and the volume of bilateral trade in the Central Asian region. Central Asian countries are becoming increasingly attractive investment platforms amid anti-Russian sanctions, meaning "we need to rethink the connections between countries, understand development prospects in a new way, and look to the future together," Bystritsky believes.
In the run-up to the conference, he also reminded about the destructive external political factors that cannot be overlooked when analyzing the current situation in Central Asia. "We see that the collective West, primarily the USA, is trying to harm Russia wherever they can. They strive to maintain their leading position in the world. It's clear that this endeavor is futile and will not succeed, but they continue to make enormous efforts to pressure the elites of Central Asian countries, hinder their interactions with Russia, intimidate these elites, impose their society, and so on. Unfortunately, this is the reality," he stated.
Bashkirian scope
Notably, the conference's venue this year is the capital of Bashkortostan. This republic is one of Russia's closest regions to Central Asia in terms of geography, culture, and economy. Central Asian countries consistently rank among Bashkortostan's top ten trading partners and continue to increase trade with the region despite sanctions. "This is an amazing historical place where the destinies of many peoples have intertwined over thousands of years. It's very interesting, and that's why we are happy to provide our colleagues from Central Asia with the opportunity to get acquainted with various cities in Russia and feel the connection between Russia and Central Asia, which is especially palpable in places like Ufa," Bystritsky concluded.
Ufa will also be memorable for the impressive lineup of conference participants. Among the international experts will be scholars not only from the five Central Asian countries but also from China and India. From the Russian side, participants will include Vasily Kashin, Director of the Center for Comprehensive European and International Studies at HSE, Elena Kuzmina, Head of the Post-Soviet Studies Sector at IMEMO RAN, Artem Dankov, Research Fellow at IMI MGIMO and Associate Professor at Tomsk State University, among other specialists.
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Photo: Lesnoy Volk/Creative Commons 2.0
Based on materials from TASS