Centers of influence shifting to Greater Eurasia, Global South — CIS secretary general

MOSCOW, June 25. /TASS/. Centers of the decision-making architecture, economic power and political influence in the modern world are irreversibly shifting to Greater Eurasia and the Global South, Secretary General of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) Sergey Lebedev said at the 12th Primakov Readings international scientific and expert forum.

"We see that centers of the decision-making architecture, economic power and political influence are irreversibly shifting towards Greater Eurasia and the Global South. We witness the old Eurasian security model, based on institutions of Euro-Atlantic dominance, gradually becoming part of the past," he said, addressing the special session titled "Eurasian Security until 2035", dedicated to Russia’s chairmanship of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO).

The CIS Secretary General emphasized that Western attempts to spread NATO’s influence to the east, reckless expansion of military infrastructure towards the borders of the CIS states and dismantling of arms control treaties turn Europe into a permanent crisis zone. He highlighted that under such conditions Eurasia itself should take responsibility for its peace and stability.

Lebedev noted that today the CIS is a unique transregional organization, which accumulates enormous economic potential and responds to the most difficult security challenges. "Our key mission today is to ensure stability, predictability and sustainable development across the huge territory of the CIS amid a profound crisis of trust in international relations," the Secretary General pointed out. "At the same time, we do not just adapt to changes, but offer a viable alternative - a model of cooperation, based on true equality, respect for sovereignty and mutual consideration of interests."