Russian-Kazakh Cooperation on Biosafety Discussed in Saratov

On January 23, Saratov hosted Russian-Kazakh consultations on biological security in an interdepartmental format. 

During the discussions the Russian Federation and Kazakhstan assessed the threats to biological security on their territories. They also examined the implementation of agreements on biosecurity, including specific areas for further cooperation. 

The parties discussed optimization and improving the efficiency of cooperation in this area, encompassing the creation of a relevant advisory mechanism.

At the initiative of Kazakhstan, a discussion was held on the organization of a joint group to monitor particularly dangerous infections in border areas and the establishment of an International Biosecurity Agency. 

This meeting confirmed the unity of approaches of Russia and Kazakhstan to biosafety. It was noted that there was a need for further close coordination and constructive cooperation both bilaterally and at specialized multilateral platforms, above all within the framework of the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention and the UN General Assembly, as well as CSTO, CIS, and SCO.

As you may recall, the CSTO Parliamentary Assembly conducts regular work to ensure biological security. In particular, a model law on medical and biological security in the CSTO area was adopted on December 19, 2023