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Author : Igor Morgulov
Deputy Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation
THE YEAR 2016 was quite fruitful in terms of our country's
relations with Asian countries: Russia's policy in this rapidly
developing part of the world is bringing substantial divi-
dends, laying the groundwork for expanding mutually bene-
ficial cooperation in the interest of regional stability and
overall growth.
What is especially important is that our country has an active,
creative role in Asia. Russia does not engage in building a
"balance of forces" to suit itself, but aims to develop a system
of interstate relations in the region that would guarantee sta-
bility and general prosperity.
We not simply set a goal but actually converted our dialogue with ASEAN into concrete, mutually ben-
eficial projects covering such high-tech sectors as space, renewable energy, and nano - and biotechnology.
Our country has an active, creative role in Asia. Russia does not engage in building a "balance of forces"
to suit itself, but aims to develop a system of interstate relations in the region that would guarantee sta-
bility and general prosperity.
Our relations with North Korea have an independent value of their own for us. Our countries are
linked by the long-standing and stable bonds of friendship and cooperation and are united by respect
for our shared history. The friendly nature of Russian-North Korean ties is evidenced by Russia's regular
humanitarian aid to North Korea.
At the same time, the dynamics of bilateral contacts are directly influenced by the military-political sit-
uation on the Korean Peninsula. It is a factor in the current decline in bilateral ties, including shrinking
bilateral trade and the freezing of promising tripartite infrastructural projects. Pyongyang knows that
Russia is interested in the region overcoming its present difficulties.
THERE ARE NO DOUBTS that the importance of Asia for Russia will continue to grow. We are an
inalienable part of the political and economic system that is emerging here. Our country's links with
the region are backed up by the centuries-old traditions of mutually enriching cooperation. Obviously,
the linking of the Russian and regional potentials is a powerful source of growth and strengthening in-
ternational positions for both us and our neighbors. Moscow is committed to continuing its constructive
and creative cooperation with all interested partners with the aim of building a just order and ensuring
stability and sustainable development in the vast Asian space.
Электронное приложение к журналу «Международная жизнь»
International Affairs: Summary№2, 2017
Russia's Eastern Policy in 2016: Results and Prospects