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Vladimir Putin:

Many thanks, Aleksandr Grigorievich!

I would like to tell you, distinguished colleagues, that in a restricted format we had a very detailed and frank discussion that covered all the most important and delicate questions. We discussed key questions with respect to the development of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation in detail, as well as its gradual transformation into a multifaceted international organisation. I am confident that our work in an extended format will be just as successful.

We have to adopt a number of important conceptual documents that will define our common view of the CSTO’s further activities.

The joint struggle against the things that threaten global and regional security are issues on today’s agenda.

We must coordinate our programmes with respect to eliminating the illegal trade of weapons of mass destruction and the channels by which they can be obtained, and eradicate illegal small arms trade.

The efficiency of our states’ law enforcement agencies and special services are crucial in this respect. When meeting in a restricted format we talked about this in detail. We must examine and further improve the CSTOs rapid deployment forces in the Central Asian region. The corresponding document has been formulated.

We will soon celebrate the 15 th anniversary of our organisation. Over the years the CSTO has become a crucial instrument in ensuring security on the territory of its member states.

. The CSTO has become a powerful factor in improving the efficiency of integration in the CIS and an active partner of the Eurasian Economic Community.

The forthcoming anniversary must represent an important stage in furthering strengthening our coalition’s security system. Such a system would guarantee peace and stability in our countries, a favourable economic environment, and increase our citizens’ well-being. I consider that we should think about these issues today.

I would like to express my gratitude to Nikolai Nikolaevich Bordyuzha for his work and to the CSTO member states for supporting the proposal to prolong his position as Secretary General of the CSTO.

Dear colleagues!

I talked about the fact that we are soon getting ready to celebrate our 15 th anniversary and in connection with this I wanted to inform you that during our meeting in a restricted format we saw and noted with satisfaction the message from our partners from Uzbekistan that they are lifting their moratorium on active work within our organisation.

Thank you for your attention.

I am grateful to Aleksandr Grigorievich Lukashenko for the warm welcome and for the excellent organisation of our session today. And according to our Council’s provisions I suggest that the President of the Republic of Belarus assume the position of head of the Council for Collective Security. And in connection with what I just said, that our colleagues from Uzbekistan have lifted their moratorium on work within the organisation, then we will consider that as of this moment Uzbekistan is a full member of our organisation and a full participant in our work today.