The growing ties with the Eurasian region are proving to be a valuable source of protection for Central Asian countries against the influence of major powers such as Russia and China. In an interview with POLITICO, Roman Vasilenko, the Deputy Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan, emphasized the importance of safeguarding the interests of Kazakhstan and other countries in the region. He acknowledged that cooperation with Russia and China is ongoing and being strengthened.

The committee of the foreign ministers of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) has instructed the customs authorities of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan to actively collaborate. The aim is to bolster Russia’s position in Central Asia and facilitate the movement of goods in the region, including joint efforts against smuggling. This development comes at a time when the Russian border is closed, prompting David O’Sullivan, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, to visit Kazakhstan in order to negotiate the release of blocked goods in Russia.

In related news, Armenia has also been making headlines. News.am reports the latest updates from the country.