Maria Zakharova: Official Moscow Values Friendship with Central Asia

Russia has once again appealed to its closest allies in the CIS and Central Asia, urging them to ignore the manipulations of "armchair analysts" and to rely on the statements of official representatives. This statement was a response to the active discussions that arose in the information space of the region around fragments of the broadcast by TV host Vladimir Solovyov regarding Russia's geopolitical influence. During a briefing, the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova, clarified that Solovyov's words represent his personal opinion and do not constitute the official position of the state.

Zakharova noted that many commentators and analysts distort the context of the discussion, presenting rhetorical devices as official statements.
“I reviewed the quotes and relied not on out-of-context phrases, but on direct speech. The question that was asked is not a statement, but a rhetorical question,” she explained. In her opinion, it is unacceptable to manipulate information by turning rhetorical questions into official statements.

The Foreign Ministry representative also emphasized that Russia's foreign policy towards CIS countries is based on solid principles that have been repeatedly confirmed by the country's leadership.
“Official positions are voiced only by authorized persons. Historically, Russia supports good-neighborly, strategic, and fraternal relations with the peoples of the South Caucasus and Central Asia. The long-term development of our ties is based on trusting and respectful contacts between leaders,” she added.

Concluding her explanations, Maria Zakharova called on partners to base their understanding on the real facts of long-term cooperation, rather than on loud statements. She noted that the intentions of the state should be judged by specific actions.
“How many times have we come to help? How many times have we shown sincere emotions in moments of joy and sorrow? How often have we sought solutions to difficult situations together? How many times have we overcome misunderstandings and responded to provocations? This is what should be focused on. Unfortunately, provocations will continue, and it is important to see the true state of affairs, rather than succumb to fakes,” Zakharova concluded.