Vladimir Putin outlines tasks of Collective Security Treaty

Vladimir Putin has outlined the tasks of the Collective Security Treaty (CST). Answering the reporters' question on Tuesday after the end of the jubilee session of the Collective Security Treaty, the Russian President underscored that the Treaty "must create favourable conditions for cooperation" between the member countries of this organisation and also "stabilise the situation in the region." In the opinion of the Russian leader, the Treaty must contribute to cooperation between its member countries "in the spirit of partnership" and also to create conditions for cooperation between the Treaty member countries and other states. Vladimir Putin underscored that the Collective Security Treaty exists not to protect the energy interests of its member countries, it has broader tasks." At the same time, according to him, "the Treaty plays a very positive role in ensuring security," including in the energy sphere. Commenting on the agreement on dividing the Caspian Sea, signed the day before by Russia and Kazakhstan, the President called it an element of "the common policy - the energy policy and the policy in the sphere of security."