On November 8, 2013 the Russian International Affairs Council (RIAC) will be presenting its working paper “Development Assistance in Central Asia: Strategic Horizons of Russian Engagement”. The presentation will be followed by a discussion of international development assistance tools aiming to facilitate integration processes in the region and improve Russia’s image in the countries across Central Asia.
In case of destabilization in Afghanistan following the withdrawal of coalition troops in 2014, countries of Central Asia will be the first to feel the negative repercussions. Is there anything Russia can do to prevent disasters at its southern borders?
On November 8, 2013 the Russian International Affairs Council (RIAC) will be presenting its working paper “Development Assistance in Central Asia: Strategic Horizons of Russian Engagement”. The presentation will be followed by a discussion of international development assistance tools aiming to facilitate integration processes in the region and improve Russia’s image in the countries across Central Asia.
On the RIAC’s initiative, a team of leading Russian experts on Central Asia and development assistance programs has conducted a study on development assistance mechanisms in the region used by its key donors: the US, the EU and China; they have also came up with a number of recommendations to enhance Russia’s standing in this sphere.
RIAC experts have highlighted the need for Russia to be actively involved in assistance to Central Asian states in order to mitigate transnational threats to security. Special attention has been attached to Russia’s migration policy aimed at improving the quality of incoming labor force migration flows.
The press conference will be attended by:
- Viktor M. Sergeev, member of the Russian Academy of Natural Sciences, director of the Institute of Global Issues at the Institute of International Studies at MGIMO-University, RIAC expert
- Andrey A. Kazantsev, director of the Analytical Centre of the Institute of Global Issues at the Institute of International Studies at MGIMO-University, RIAC expert
- Vladimir I. Bartenev, director of the Centre for Security and Development Issues at the World Affairs Department of the Moscow State University, assistant to the dean of the World Affairs Department at the Moscow State University for research projects.
The press conference will take place on November 8, 2013 at 1 p.m. in the Smaller Hall of the RIA Novosti International Multimedia Press Centre.