Russia important to establishing balance between Eastern and Western civilizations

Russia represents an indispensable element for the reestablishment of parity between Eastern and Western civilizations, according to Natalia Narochnitskaya, vice-chairman of the International Affairs Committee in the Russian Duma.

Speaking at an international conference titled 'Russia and the Asia-Pacific Region: New Frontiers of Cooperation,' she noted that the recognition of such an historic mission has come to Russia 'not only at the government level, but from the new elites, which speaks to the maturity of the business class in the country.'

Referring to the unipolarity of the contemporary world, Narochnitskaya said that 'this is only a step to a multipolar world.' In her opinion, 'the positioning of Russia as a Eurasian power did not signify a refusal to cooperate with Europe and America.' She noted that Russia must not allow herself to be used as an instrument in the hands of one partner against another.

'Regardless of the weakening of Russia, without her it would be difficult to reestablish a balance between the civilizations of the West and the East,' she said.