Alisher Erbayev: Russia Remains a Natural Ally and Reliable Partner for Central Asia

Interview with Alisher Erbayev, deputy Chairman of the Committee on Law and Order, Combating Crime and Counteraction to Corruption of the Jogorku Kenesh of the Kyrgyz Republic

Mr. Erbayev, the Russia–Central Asia Summit has become one of the most prominent events of the year. How significant do you think it is against the backdrop of growing activity of China, the EU and the US? Can we say that Moscow is regaining its influence in the region?

"The Russia-Central Asia Summit is not just another high-level meeting. It is a demonstration that Russia retains its status as a key strategic partner and natural ally for the states of the region. Today, as Central Asia has once again become the focus of world's attention, Moscow is showing a strong commitment to maintaining and developing this partnership, building it on the basis of respect, trust and equality.

It's important to stress that Russia does not offer competition in the geopolitical sense, but rather an alternative – a cooperation model where sovereignty and national interests of the countries in the region remain a priority. Unlike some Western players, Moscow does not impose political conditions, but builds dialogue based on historically established ties, common cultural traditions, and long-standing trust.

This approach is especially evident within the CSTO, which has developed a unique system of cooperation, combining common security with the Member States' independence. Russia is the guarantor of stability – and not just on paper. Joint exercises, intelligence sharing, and coordination of actions in border areas, particularly in the context of threats emanating from Afghanistan, confirm the Ogranization's hands-on involvement in ensuring peace and security.

Regular summits show that Moscow is not losing ground, but rather strengthening its position by offering Central Asian countries a balanced and sustainable strategy for cooperation. This is not a "counteroffensive", as Western analysts like to say, but rather consistent development of an equal partnership. Russia remains a natural ally, aiming not for short-term gains, but for long-term stability in the region and a multipolar balance of power in the world."

China and the European Union are actively investing in Central Asia's infrastructure and energy sector, bringing in tens of billions of dollars. How can Russia respond in order to maintain and strengthen its economic presence?

"Russia has very real and substantial instruments of economic influence that have been developed for many years. First, the mutual trade level already exceeds $45 billion, and Russia's total investment in the regional economies is estimated at more than $20 billion.

There are about 24,000 enterprises with Russian participation operating in Central Asia. These are not short-term projects, but established partnerships – industrial, energy, and financial enterprises. At the same time, Russia is focusing on developing payment in national currencies, which reduces dependence on external financial centres and strengthens the internal stability of the regional economies.

Secondly, there are transport and logistics ties. Russia remains a key transit hub for trade flows from Central Asia to Europe and Asia. The eastern branch of the North–South Transport Corridor is a prime example of such integration. This route connects the countries of Central Asia with Russia, Iran, India and other markets, opening up new prospects for exports and imports.

The third area of cooperation is technologies and production. Russian companies are actively involved in projects aimed at modernizing energy infrastructure, extracting minerals, building hydropower plants and introducing digital technologies. Rosatom plays a key role here, offering countries in the region the opportunity to participate in creating a nuclear cluster for peaceful purposes.

Fourth, within the framework of multilateral blocs such as the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), Russia and Central Asia are forming a unique model of integration based on political trust, sovereignty and economic pragmatism. It provides conditions for systematic and sustainable development of cooperation, as opposed to spontaneous or exclusively commercial investments. Russia offers partnership based on historical context and shared strategic goals in security and development.

Finally, we must not forget the humanitarian and educational dimensions. Russia has traditionally been not only an economic partner, but a cultural bridge. Thousands of students from Central Asia are studying at Russian universities, and the Russian-speaking space remains a powerful integrating factor. All this is also an investment, but in human capital. Without it, the true integration is impossible.

Unlike other major players, Russia is betting not on financial dominance, but on the quality of cooperation and mutual benefit. This is the key element of stability."

The Russia–Central Asia format brings together countries with different political courses. Could it become a new platform complementing or even strengthening the CSTO and the EAEU?

"Yes, this format is already becoming a flexible mechanism for cooperation that does not contradict existing structures but expands their potential. Russia remains a key integration centre – through the CSTO in the security sphere and through the EAEU in the economic sphere. But the Russia-Central Asia format makes it possible to involve in the dialogue those states that are not yet members of these associations – Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan.

This is a very important aspect: it makes cooperation more inclusive and more regional in spirit. Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan have significant economic and energy potential, and their participation strengthens Central Asia's overall position in the international arena.

Within the framework of the new format, it is possible to discuss not only trade and investment issues, but also transport, energy, water resources, climate, migration and humanitarian projects. All this creates a broader and more sustainable system of cooperation – each country has the opportunity to express its interests and find a compromise.

Besides, we shouldn't forget that the CSTO and the EAEU aren't growing in isolation, but along with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. Together, these structures form the core of the Eurasian security and development architecture. The Russia-Central Asia format is like a bridge between them, allowing for building a more flexible and viable model of regional partnership."

Summing it up, what do you think is the main purpose of the Russian-Central Asian partnership today?

"The main purpose is to preserve our shared historical and civilizational roots. Russia and Central Asia are connected not only by economics or politics, but also by values, mentality, and centuries of good neighborliness.

Today, as the world is changing rapidly and new centres of power and new alliances are forming, it is especially important to ensure stability and mutual understanding. Russia offers a model precisely for that: a partnership without dictates, an alliance based on equality and trust.

This is step not back but forward, to the future where a multipolar world is built not on confrontation, but on cooperation. In this context, for Central Asia Russia is not just a partner, but a reliable friend, a guarantor of stability and a source of support in difficult times."

CSTO Parliamentary Assembly Press Service