Valdai Club

Historically, transport links have played the most important role in consolidating geopolitical spaces, nation states, and groups of states. The oldest examples of statehood arose along rivers, so rivers almost never served as natural boundaries. As humankind evolved, it enhanced the natural capabilities for interconnection between regions by building roads, and in the 19th century, rail, and then air services in the 20th century.

The current situation underscores the danger of ignoring our interdependence and the critical importance of global cooperation. This shows us that all humanity is in the same boat. Since a virus can be defeated somewhere only when it is defeated everywhere, this shows that it is absurd to pretend that we can achieve security in isolation, within a particular country, nation, culture, religion or class, writes Valdai Club expert Djoomart Otorbaev.

The atmosphere of trust and the lack of competition and rivalry between China and Russia in Central Asia are the most important factors driving security and regional stability, writes Djoomart Otorbaev, Prime Minister of the Kyrgyz Republic in 2014–2015.

Despite the ongoing global economic crisis due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year has once again seen outstanding results for the Khorgos “dry port” on the border between Kazakhstan and China, which links China with Central Asia, Russia and Europe.

In connection with the coronavirus epidemic, the members of the world community are facing economic and social problems at home and are often fencing themselves off from the rest of the world. Fortunately, however, they haven’t forgotten about the most poor and vulnerable countries. On the contrary, they appear decisively united in their desire to help them.

Probably, in the post-COVID era, we will all advance (some faster and some more slowly) to the hygiene standards that have been used in Japan for a very long time. Such a development is likely to be one of the most important and positive results of our fight against the pandemics, writes Djoomart Otorbaev, Prime Minister of the Kyrgyz Republic in 2014–2015.

The current epidemiological shock and probably subsequent upheavals will have long-term consequences for the planet. The coronavirus pandemic is compelling humanity to fight a common enemy. Communities that have survived wars are becoming more united. Now people have fully realised that only consolidation and collective efforts can bring success in this war, writes Djoomart Otorbaev, Prime Minister of the Kyrgyz Republic in 2014–2015