Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed hope for the further development of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) despite the difficult foreign policy background.
"I hope that the organization, which in previous years has turned into a full-fledged international structure, will continue to develop, I mean even in difficult times," the Russian leader said, opening a meeting of CSTO leaders in the Kremlin on Monday.
He also noted that "there were difficult times in 1992 and 2002". "They will never end, but the organization plays a very important role in the post-Soviet space, a stabilizing role. I hope that in this sense, its capabilities and influence on the situation in our area of responsibility will only increase," Putin stressed.
Welcoming his counterparts in Moscow, he noted that the Russian capital was chosen as the venue of the CSTO summit since the Collective Security Treaty was signed 30 years ago, and the organization was established on its basis 20 years ago. "So we actually have two anniversaries, practically on the same day, on 14 and 15 [May] in 1992 and in 2002, respectively. I congratulate you on this event," Putin concluded.
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Photo: official website of the President of the Russian Federation
Based on materials from TASS