Vladimir Putin: In the last few decades, the CSTO has seriously contributed to maintaining stability in Eurasia

“Russia is committed to developing partnership and mutually beneficial constructive relations with all countries and regional associations. We will proactively participate in international efforts to counter common challenges and threats which, unfortunately, still include terrorism and cross-border crime, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, poverty, inequality, climate change and environmental degradation,” noted Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation, in his speech at the expanded meeting of the Russian Foreign Ministry Board.
Russian President stressed the necessity to pay special attention to joint efforts with the allies in the Collective Security Treaty Organization considering modern risks and threats, kremlin.ru website reports.
“Obviously, it is necessary to continue creating an atmosphere of friendship, security and cooperation in the post-Soviet space. To achieve this, we need to expand our relations with our partners in the Commonwealth of Independent States, with whom we are bonded by historical, cultural and simply human ties,” noted Vladimir Putin.
According to him, the Eurasian Economic Union remains the key integration project, and its “goal is to create a common market for goods and services, capital and workforce.” President of the Russian Federation emphasized, “Consistent promotion of integration is already producing results for the participating states, driving their economic growth and helping improve the wellbeing of their citizens.” He also drew attention to the necessity of using such achievements to draw new members and partners into the orbit of this organization.
Speaking about the Collective Security Treaty Organization, Vladimir Putin noted the importance of working with the allies within the CSTO.
“Considering the risks and challenges arising along the perimeter of our borders, we should pay special attention to joint efforts with our allies in the Collective Security Treaty Organization. In the last few decades, this organization has seriously contributed to maintaining the stability in Eurasia, emphasized the Russian President.
“We should steadily promote our cooperation in the CSTO and use it in practice for the reliable protection of the national interests, sovereignty and independence of its members,” stressed Vladimir Putin.