Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova stated that Russia is developing mutually respectful cooperation with Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan in the nuclear energy sphere. She claimed that Moscow builds relations with Central Asian states based on international law, bilateral agreements, and consideration of mutual interests.

Zakharova's statement came in response to French President Emmanuel Macron's remarks about Paris's plans to reduce dependence on Russian uranium through supplies from Central Asia. The Russian diplomat alleged that the collective West is attempting to entrench itself in the region's natural resources market using forceful methods, non-market mechanisms, and efforts to disrupt partnership relations between states.

The Russian foreign policy department reportedly believes that Western countries continue to operate from a position of colonial-type dominance. In contrast, Moscow purportedly offers Tashkent and Astana equal partnership. This involves not only raw material supplies but also the creation of a modern nuclear energy industry in these countries, including the implementation of nuclear power plant construction projects.

Russia's position is allegedly aimed at developing long-term and stable energy cooperation with Central Asian states, which is said to be important for regional economic development and energy independence. Zakharova's statement can be seen as part of diplomatic efforts to protect Russia's strategic interests in the region and counter Western influence, though these claims come amid ongoing geopolitical tensions and questions about the sustainability of such partnerships.

Source: podrobno.uz