The Russian Foreign Ministry assessed the prospects for cooperation with China in the extraction of rare metals

Potential cooperation with China in the extraction of rare earth metals in Central Asian countries has broad prospects. This was announced on May 12 by Alexander Sternik, Director of the Third CIS Department of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

"We should look at the prospects for cooperation with China here, since it is easier to connect the mineral resources of Central Asia through a common infrastructure with production facilities in both Russia and China," he said at the Central Asian conference of the Valdai International Discussion Club.

According to the diplomat, cooperation with China in this area is mutually beneficial and will provide access to the necessary resources for the region. He added that the "rare earth fever" is growing more and more, and Central Asia has just found itself in its funnel. However, in order to develop and transform this resource into economic wealth, a full and long production cycle and trained personnel are needed, in which Russia is ready to help its Central Asian partners.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin, answering questions from journalists on May 9, said that relations between Russia and China are the most important factor in stabilizing international relations, and also pointed out that Russia and China have reached significant agreements that will significantly advance cooperation in the oil and gas industry.

Following a meeting of the interdepartmental commission on environmental safety on March 31, the press service of the Security Council of the Russian Federation reported that the need for accelerated development of the rare and rare earth metals industry is increasing. In addition, following the meeting of the commission, recommendations were made on the implementation of additional organizational and regulatory measures in the area under consideration.