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Author : A. Davydenko
First Deputy Editor-in-Chief of International Affairs
It is only logical and natural that the Asia-Pacific region
is high on the list of Russia's foreign policy priorities. It
is for a reason that this region is called a driver of global
development. Asia-Pacific nations are demonstrating con-
fident growth rates as the focus of global economic and
political activities is moving closer to it. This is de facto
where a new poly-centric global world is taking shape.
Russia's ties with the region are rooted in history. At one
point. Russia's support was a key factor behind the victory
of national liberation movements in many countries of Asia.
During her official visit to Laos, Russian Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matviyenko held
negotiations with Choummaly Sayasone, President of Laos and General Secretary of the Lao
People's Revolutionary Party.
The Russia-Laos discussion focused on further cooperation between the two countries on the
world scene, coordination of their actions, formulation of a common approach to meeting new
challenges, including terrorism, drug trafficking and proliferation of weapons of mass destruc-
tion.
Russia and Laos agree that there is a considerable potential for trade and economic cooperation
between them, citing geological surveying, mining, aircraft building, and the pharmaceutical in-
dustry as the most promising areas.
The Russian delegation further traveled to China. The year 2014 marks 65 years of diplomatic
relations between the two countries. The delegation first paid an official visit to Hong Kong,
China's Special Administrative Region and currently one of the world's largest finance and in-
vestment hubs.
The Hong Kong officials supported more intensive business cooperation with Russia noting
their special interest in Russia's government program to speed up the development of its Far
East and Eastern Siberia. Both parties also agreed to update the contractual and legal framework
of cooperation between Russia and Hong Kong.
Bilateral trade and economic ties were the focus of the Russian delegation's visit to
Valentina Matviyenko spoke in favor of establishing joint science and technology parks, business
clusters, and business incubators both in China and Russia. She mentioned as a successful ex-
ample the joint Russia-China business incubator operating in Guangdong province. She also
stressed the importance of intensifying direct dialogue between business circles of both coun-
tries. One way to do it is to hold exhibitions, presentations and meetings of entrepreneurs as
well as increasingly tap the potential of such reliable mechanisms as chambers of commerce and
industry and specialized associations.
Russia and Asian Nations: We Need Each Other