Press release on CSTO and CIS foreign ministerial consultations regarding the agenda of the 71st UN General Assembly session
On September 1, consultations between heads of relevant departments of foreign ministries and representatives of embassies of CSTO members took place in Moscow. The consultations concerned priorities of the CSTO states in view of the upcoming 71st session of the UN General Assembly.
On September 2, similar consultations took place within the CIS.
Participants of the consultations supported continued close cooperation between the delegations, and discussed collaboration during the UN General Assembly session.
CSTO consultations specifically focused on cooperation regarding the main agenda of the UN General Assembly, including expanded practical cooperation in maintaining peace and security and prospects of CSTO participation in UN peace-making efforts, disarmament, the situation in Afghanistan, coordinated counterterrorism approaches within the UN and other issues.
The participants confirmed their determination to pursue stronger coordination and practical interaction in order to reach agreement between CSTO members on points of common interest on the General Assembly agenda. They also stressed the importance of speedy approval of draft joint statements to be issued during the session.
The members approved a draft resolution of the UN General Assembly on cooperation between the UN and the CSTO whose adoption is planned during the session.
The CIS consultations covered non-proliferation and arms control issues, as well as human rights protection. The participants stressed the significance of mutual support for nominees put forward by CIS states in elections to UN bodies. They also confirmed their commitment to successfully implement the 2030 Agenda at all levels. A variety of cooperation issues in humanitarian projects and natural resources under the aegis of the UN were also discussed at the consultations. The participants expressed interest in developing a dialogue in these areas, including through expert advisory support. They confirmed the importance of closely coordinated progress on issues of human rights protection prioritised by the CIS.
The participants affirmed their intention to cooperate within the UN framework, with the effect of bolstering the integration potential of the CIS. In this context, adoption of a resolution on cooperation between the UN and the CIS at the upcoming session, which has received preliminary approval, would have special significance.
