Russia will continue to help Afghanistan in fight against terrorism and drug trafficking - Lavrov

MOSCOW, April 15. /TASS/. Russia is ready to render every assistance to Afghanistan in its fight against terrorism and narcotics production, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Wednesday opening a meeting with Afghan National Security Advisor Hanif Atmar. "We know well that you properly understand the significance of the Russian-Afghan relations and appreciate our traditions of friendship and cooperation," Lavrov said. "We expect that you will continue to do so during your tenure." "We are ready to render all possible assistance to Afghanistan in stabilizing the situation in the country, which remains rather complex," Russia’s top diplomat said. "We are ready to cooperate closely with you, with other partners in Afghanistan in countering the terrorist and drug threats." Lavrov noted that to achieve these goals appropriate bilateral mechanisms have been created, there also such organizations as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO). The Russian Foreign Minister pointed to Atmar’s long career in the government in various capacities under former President Hamid Karzai. "The fact that after the presidential elections last year and the election of Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai head of state you were one of the first to be appointed to the new position testifies to your professionalism and shows that you are a true patriot of your country," Lavrov said. Read more