DISINFO: The West is no longer hiding its intentions to detach Central Asia from Russia
SUMMARY
Proposals for regional and international security cooperation from countries involved in the Ukraine conflict seem cautious. Despite high diplomatic activity, especially from the EU, initiatives like the “Global Gateway” project remain largely symbolic, struggling to secure sufficient funding to connect Central Asia and Europe while bypassing Russia.
Efforts like the EU-Central Asia Investment Forum in Brussels failed to make significant progress, with promised funding shrinking from €10 billion to €2.97 billion. This shortage of funds for constructive projects highlights a preference for allocating resources to the ongoing war with Russia in Ukraine, revealing the EU’s priorities.
RESPONSE
A recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about the belligerent West trying to encircle Russia, made in the context of measures being taken to enforce the sanctions on Russia imposed by the EU in response to its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The partnership between Kazakhstan and the EU are not directed against Russia or any other country. Being Kazakhstan’s largest trade partner and investor, the EU recognises the importance of the sovereignty and economic independence of the Central Asian States, individually and as a region. The EU seeks to strengthen cooperation with Kazakhstan through various initiatives.
In his speech at the Investors’ Forum for EU-Central Asia Transport Connectivity, on 29 January 2024, former High Representative of the EU Joseph Borrell emphasised that cooperation between EU and Central Asia partners has to be increased to address global challenges and diversify their political and economic relationships.
Former European Commission Executive Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis said that:
“We very much value this crucial partnership, especially given today's heightened geopolitical tensions and global fragmentation. The EU is also committed to making a strong positive impact on Central Asia through the Global Gateway Initiative. This is our strategy to connect the world through sustainable investments and reliable economic partnerships.”
It was announced that European and international financial institutions present at the Forum would commit €10 billion in support and investments towards sustainable transport connectivity in Central Asia. The development of transport connectivity is important factor for the strengthening the regional integration and economic development of Central Asia.
The Forum delivered a number of immediate valuable outcomes with more to come through the Commission’s open architecture for investment guarantees. . As proof of their commitment, the joint contribution from the European Commission and the European Investment Bank to advance the transport agenda in Central Asia will amount to €1.5 billion. The EBRD signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Kazakhstan. It has also indicated that an investment pipeline worth €1.5 billion with projects in the region is already under preparation.
See other examples of similar disinformation narratives in our database, such as claims that the West has intensified its attempts to shake the CIS; the West increases pressure on CIS to break old ties; the EU uses CIS to contain Russia by all means: financial, economic, and military; The West puts pressure on the allies of the Russian Federation in the Eurasian Economic Union and the CIS; In Central Asia, the West is working to undermine allied relations between CSTO countries.