Russian Foreign Minister: "Questioning the Need to Restore Relations with the West... Focusing on Developing Relations with China"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that he will focus on developing relations with China rather than restoring ties with the West. This remark reflects Russia's situation, where economic dependence on China is increasing amid intensified sanctions from the West, including the United States and the European Union (EU).

According to TASS news agency on the 23rd (local time), Minister Lavrov, attending an event held in Moscow that day, said, "Whatever the West offers to restore relations, we will consider whether it is necessary," and emphasized, "Since the West has taken a 'dictatorial attitude' toward us, our economic relations with China will grow even faster." He added, "This is an opportunity to develop the Far East and Eastern Siberia beyond direct revenue to the national budget."

Minister Lavrov explained, "China possesses information and communication technology that is by no means inferior to the West," and "If we do a lot here, mutual benefits will be guaranteed." He also pointed out that "the future lies in the Eurasian region," naming India and Iran as important partners alongside China.

He emphasized, "We must stop being entirely dependent on Western supplies for the development of very important areas in security, economy, and the social sphere of the homeland," and stressed, "Russia is striving to replace goods imported from the West and will henceforth rely only on 'reliable' countries that do not owe anything to the West."