Vladimir Putin: It is crucial to strengthen cooperation between our states to counter the terrorist threat

“It is extremely important to take further action, in cooperation with other regional forums and organizations, to resolve any crises and conflicts occurring in Asia, strengthen cooperation between our states on countering terrorism, expose and neutralize extremist groups, block their financial sources, fight drug trafficking and prevent the propaganda of radical ideas,” Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation, said at a meeting of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia that is taking place on October 13 in Astana, Republic of Kazakhstan.

The President of the Russian Federation said that Afghanistan remains one of the most acute security challenges.

“After more than 20 years of US and NATO military presence and their failing policy, this country turned out to be unable to independently deal with the terrorist threat, as indicated by the endless series of violent terrorist attacks, including the blast outside the Russian Embassy in Kabul on September 5,” Vladimir Putin said.

The President of the Russian Federation called for a united effort to promote the economic reconstruction of Afghanistan, but first insisted “on compensating for the damage caused to the Afghan people during the years of occupation and unblocking the unlawfully frozen Afghan funds.”

Vladimir Putin said it would be helpful to use the resources of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and its regional anti-terrorist body.

The President of the Russian Federation invited Asian countries to engage in closer cooperation with the International Counter-Terrorist Data Bank, established at Russia’s initiative, and pointed out that Russia and China have drafted a joint ICT security cooperation statement for this summit. “We hope that it will be approved,” said Vladimir Putin.