23/09/2013 18:28
Russia plans to enhance CSTO states’ foreign-policy cooperation
During its presidency of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), Russia intends to enhance cooperation of the CSTO member states in the sphere of foreign policy. Golos Rossii radio quoted Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov as saying this at the joint sitting of the CSTO foreign and defense ministers and heads of the security councils.
“Taking over the presidency of the CSTO from Kyrgyzstan, Russia aims to do serious work to strengthen allied relations and develop military cooperation,” S. Lavrov stated.
He noted in his speech that the current sitting of the CSTO is taking place in a difficult military-political situation. “We are deeply concerned about the situation in Syria and Afghanistan,” the Russian foreign minister said.
Discussing the Syria crisis, Lavrov expressed confidence that CSTO member states will be able to support efforts of the international community regarding solution of Syria chemical weapons issues.
Sergei Lavrov also expressed concern over the situation in Afghanistan. “It is very likely that the situation in that country will further deteriorate after the withdrawal of coalition troops from there in 2014. It is important to prevent such developments from having a negative effect on our region,” Lavrov said. In his words, in this context the cooperation of CSTO member states becomes especially topical.
In conclusion, Lavrov expressed hope that the join sitting will be held in a constructive and allied spirit and all the issues related to common security will be agreed upon.
It is noteworthy that a summit of the CSTO is also being held in Sochi today.