MOSCOW, March 30. /TASS/. Moscow and Bishkek expressed their readiness to join efforts in fighting cross-border terrorism as they reaffirmed the exclusive role of regional forces in maintaining security in Central Asia, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement following bilateral diplomatic meetings in Bishkek.
"While exchanging opinions on the developments in Central Asia and adjacent regions, the two sides discussed the situation in Europe, as well, as they touched upon the pressing issues on the bilateral and international agenda," the ministry said. "They emphasized the exclusive role of regional forces in maintaining stability and security in Central Asia and reaffirmed their resolve to jointly fight threats on the border, including radicalism and terrorism, as well as the production and trafficking of narcotic drugs," it added.
According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, the importance of efforts toward strengthening the role of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and cooperation within these associations was emphasized.