"There is a myth that Russia, out of disappointment over the direction relations with its European partners are taking, is now turning its back on them and only looks East. This is a myth, it is not like that," Ivanov said.
The official pointed out that the global economy’s trends clearly demonstrate that "the market of the 21st century lies not in Europe but in Asia-Pacific."
"Therefore, as there are growing, promising markets, we must react to that if we want to remain competitive," Ivanov said.
Russian authorities have repeatedly denied the accusations and stressed that the Western sanctions policy was counterproductive. Following the Western restrictive measures, Russia intensified its economic cooperation with China and other Asia-Pacific nations.
