1 Feb 2018 12:33

Lavrov backs Italy's proposal to step up OSCE efforts in Mediterranean

MOSCOW. Feb 1 (Interfax) - Russia supports the initiative of Italy, which currently chairs the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), to intensify the organization's efforts on the Mediterranean track, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said at a meeting with his Italian counterpart, Angelino Alfano.

"We support the Italian side's suggestion to bolster the OSCE's work on the Mediterranean track, including in the context of weakening the consequences of the migration crisis," Lavrov said at the beginning of the meeting with Alfano.

Officials in Moscow have taken an interest in Italy's proposals, he said.

"In our opinion, these plans are constructive and will have a positive impact on the future," Lavrov said.