Russian deputy foreign minister Sergei Vershinin discussed on Thursday the response to Afghanistan-related challenges by phone with Antonio Vitorino, director general of the International organization for migration (IOM).
"The discussion focused on the situation in Afghanistan and IOM's response to migration and humanitarian challenges in this country and the region," the foreign ministry said in a statement.
In addition, the Russian side reaffirmed its intention to further develop cooperation with the IOM.
On Russia's accession to the IOM
In April this year, Russia adopted the statutes of the International organization for migration (IOM) and became a full member.
In February, Russian president Vladimir Putin submitted the charter of the organization to the State Duma for consideration. The explanatory note noted that the IOM membership "will allow to inform the foreign partners about the national approaches to solving key migration challenges of our time, will give a positive impetus to the strengthening of the international status of Russia in the sphere of migration management, will provide an opportunity to use the IOM potential for promotion of Russian interests in this area".
The IOM was established on December 5, 1951, in Brussels (it has had its current name since 1989). Headquarters of the structure is located in Geneva. Since 1992, the IOM office functions in Moscow.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Russian Foreign Ministry
Based on materials from TASS