IGORA /Leningrad Region/, December 25. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin highlighted common approaches shared by countries in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) toward international issues.
"It is important that members of the Commonwealth hold close or similar positions on key global and regional issues," the Russian head of state said at an informal CIS summit. He noted that "all CIS member countries push for establishing a fair world order based on generally recognized principles of international law with the United Nations playing a central role."
Among other things, "members of the Commonwealth have been increasing cooperation in the fight against extremism, transborder crime, and drug trafficking, and everyday activities and contacts between security agencies have been established," Putin said.
Meanwhile, the Russian leader believes, "vast humanitarian ties between countries build on centuries of common history, deeply intertwined cultures, common moral and spiritual values, and close family ties." Also, Putin commended joint projects in education, culture, tourism and youth policies implemented this year.