Russia enters International Institute for Central Asian Studies - deputy PM

ST. PETERSBURG. Nov 17 (Interfax) - Russia has decided to join the International Institute for Central Asian Studies (IICAS), an interstate body specializing in the historical and cultural development of Central Asia, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova said.

"It's my pleasure to announce here, in this room, at the forum, that today the Russian government has approved Russia's entry into the International Institute for Central Asian Studies, the biggest interstate body specializing in the historical and cultural development of Central Asia," Golikova said at the St. Petersburg International Cultural Forum.

Founded in 1995, the institute has 11 member states at present, Golikova said.

"We are hoping that our country's participation in IICAS activity will help bolster cooperation with CIS and SCO members and other countries, and will provide a new platform for joint projects and practical initiatives for representatives of national cultural, academic and educational communities," Golikova said.