Russia sets out priorities of its G8 presidency
MOSCOW. Jan 29 (Interfax) - Anti-drug trafficking and counterterrorism measures were high on the agenda of this year's first meeting of Group of Eight political directors on Tuesday and Wednesday, the Russian Foreign Ministry said.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov chaired the meeting, held in Moscow.
"The Russian side made a detailed exposition of proposals for G8 priorities in 2014 and for the Group's schedule during Russia's presidency," the ministry said in a statement posted on its website, www.mid.ru.
The meeting focused on "issues of stepping up international cooperation in combating international drug trafficking - primarily in the context of the Afghan drugs problem, - fighting international terrorism, and acting to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction," it said.
"In relation to the counterterrorist agenda of the G8, the importance was stressed of countering violent extremism that fuels terrorism," the ministry said.
"A program of anti-drug trafficking and counterterrorism measures was presented that will be carried through during the Russian presidency," it said.
The meeting involved an "exchange of opinions on a wide range of key international issues, including the issue of prevention and settlement of conflicts," the statement said. "A frank discussion was held on the Iranian nuclear program issue and the state of affairs on the Korean Peninsula."
"The meeting participants exchanged opinions on developments in the Middle East and North Africa, on the implementation of programs of the Deauville Partnership with Arab Countries in Transition, and on prospects for the Middle East peace process," the statement said.
"Issues were also raised of stepping up international interaction on Afghan and African issues," it said.
