DISINFO: In Central Asia, the West is purposefully working to undermine allied relations between CSTO countries
SUMMARY
Long-term hotbeds of tension are forming along the perimeter of the CSTO borders.- The West is purposefully working to undermine allied relations between CSTO countries. Undisguised threats, blackmail, intrigues are used.
RESPONSE
Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narratives about belligerent West trying to encircle Russia, to separate post-Soviet countries and isolate Russia,
The West builds its relations with CSTO countries based on mutual consent, bilateral interests and benefits. More, they are not directed against third parties. For example, the Eastern Partnership (EaP) is a joint policy initiative that aims to deepen and strengthen relations between the European Union (EU) and its six Eastern neighbours: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine.
The Eastern Partnership initiative is not against any country; it is a mutually beneficial and constructive platform for countries in the region to build a closer relationship with the EU if they choose to do so. The EU does not demand any of its partners to make a choice between the EU or any other country.
The EU recognises the strategic importance of Central Asia, which links the huge Asian continent with Europe. As the EU is working to make relations with Central Asia stronger and deeper, the European Union’s engagement with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan has developed significantly since the countries' independence following the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991.
The EU does not impose any action or programme on the partner countries. The overall aim of cooperation is to build a common area of shared democracy, prosperity and stability in line with each individual country's aspirations. Involvement in the EU initiatives does not exclude membership in the Eurasian Economic Union, CIS or CSTO. The EU is a supporter of regional integration in all areas of the world.