Russian Politics - Relationships of Russia with Other Countries
According to the Foreign Policy Concept of Russia established in 2000, the basis of foreign policy of Russia is a multipolar world on the principles of international law, democracy and cooperation, the struggle for international security.
Russia as the successor to the Soviet Union has maintained a membership in such international organizations as the UN and the Security Council. In addition to this, Russia is actively involved in other authoritative international institutions: the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), the Council of Europe, the European Union (EU), the “G-8” - Group of eight leaders of most developed countries in the world.
Bilateral relations between Russia and the leading European countries are actively developing. The cooperation with many countries in the Middle East is underway: Russia takes efforts to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict; Russia has actively opposed the U.S. aggression in Iraq, strongly supports the relevant UN resolutions.
The progressive development is observed in the relationship with the countries of the Asia-Pacific region. In 2001, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization was established, which includes Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Russia also participates in the work of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation. The priority in this region for Russia is the relations with China. The links with India at the level of strategic partnership has been established.
Great attention in the foreign policy of Russia is paid to the bilateral cooperation with CIS countries. Of these countries, the most successful partner of Russia is Belarus. In 1999, the nations signed a treaty establishing the Union State of Russia and Belarus.
By participating in economic cooperation with countries in Europe, America, Asia, Russia seeks to achieve such integration in the global economy, which would provide access not only to energy resources world market (oil, gas, coal, wood) but also the products of Russian industry and agriculture as well as creation of favorable climate for foreign investment.
