Moscow welcomes any step taken by Tashkent to expand ties with CSTO

Moscow is ready to welcome any step taken by Uzbekistan to strengthen its ties with the Collective Security Treaty Organization, said Mikael Aghasandyan, Russia’s Permanent Representative to the CSTO, in an interview with RIA Novosti.

Photo: RIA Novosti

"Despite the fact that Tashkent suspended its membership in the Organization in 2012, we proceed from the importance of consolidating mutually beneficial contacts and generally useful coordination of actions with Uzbekistan, including in the context of the difficult situation in Afghanistan," he said.

According to the diplomat, Russia will support any steps of Tashkent towards the CSTO, not excluding those that may be aimed at restoring full membership in the organization.

It should be reminded that on August 23, Shavkat Mirziyoyev took part as a guest in the CSTO summit, dedicated to the events in Afghanistan.