Russia’s initiative to join the consultative format of meetings between the heads of state of Central Asia and Azerbaijan stems from Moscow’s desire to control the situation in the region. This opinion was shared in a conversation with Minval Politika by political analyst and Milli Majlis MP Rasim Musabayov, commenting on the statement by Alexey Zenko, First Secretary of the Russian Embassy in Tajikistan, who suggested that it would be reasonable to consider the possibility of Russia joining this project.
According to the Russian diplomat, Moscow is “following with great interest” the formation of the “Central Asian Five” and the decision to include Azerbaijan in the meetings. Zenko pointed to Russia’s “geographical and historical proximity” to the region and claimed that Russia’s involvement could “strengthen coordination,” “promote integration,” and create a “more inclusive security architecture.”
“Such a statement from Russia is evidence that the Kremlin does not want to leave without oversight or its presence any formats, consultations, or meetings of Central Asian states — especially those involving Azerbaijan,” Musabayov stated.
In this regard, he recalled other platforms through which, in his view, Russia can communicate with the republics of the Central Asian region.
“If Russia has something to discuss with the Central Asian states, let me remind you that almost all of them, except Turkmenistan, are members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. So talk there, by all means. In addition, excluding Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, the Central Asian countries belong to the EAEU; there is also the CSTO — communicate within these formats,” the MP said.
Furthermore, according to the political analyst, “there is the CIS format: Russia simply wants to be present as a kind of overseer where it has not been invited and where it is not expected.”
“Is it necessary to remind how Russia ‘showed up’ in Central Asia and the South Caucasus? Should we recall that it was the colonial policy of tsarist Russia, continued in the Soviet period? Must we speak of what this policy cost Central Asia and the South Caucasus? I think that most likely, this Kremlin initiative will go without any response,” Musabayov concluded.
