Shoigu proposed NATO partners to keep cooperation on Afghanistan priority for 2014
BRUSSELS. Oct 23 (Interfax-AVN) - Participants of the NATO-Russia Council are concerned about the situation in Afghanistan and regions bordering the country, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said.
"The decision to withdraw the International Security Assistance Force has contributed to terrorist groups' planning and is enhancing their activities. Groups of armed opposition in the northern provinces of Afghanistan, which border our partners in the Collective Security Treaty Organization, grow," Shoigu told reporters in Brussels on Wednesday following a NATO-Russia Council meeting at the level of defense ministers.
Russia proposes cooperation on Afghanistan to remain a priority of the NATO-Russia Council work in 2014, Shoigu said.
Great joint work is ahead in 2014, Shoigu said. In particular, it is planned to hold the international security conference, which is traditionally conducted by the Russian Defense Ministry in Moscow. "We will discuss the most pressing security issues," he said.
Shoigu said he was satisfied with the meetings held in the framework of the NATO-Russia Council. "I have managed not only to meet new colleagues but to discuss most acute issues and most importantly to make plans to the future as well," he said.
Today's NATO-Russia Council meeting at the level of defense ministers "has become an important contribution to the joint work to enhance security in the Euro Atlantic," Shoigu said. "I am certain that sincere dialog is a way towards mutual understanding and constructive partnership in ensuring peace and strategic partnership," he said.