MOSCOW, Russian Federation

On 26 May SRSG Kaha Imnadze paid working visit to the Russian Federation. Mr. Imnadze held consultations with senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, including Deputy Foreign Ministers Mr. Sergey Vershinin, Mr. Mikhail Galuzin, and Mr. Alexander Pankin. Discussions focused on key regional issues within the Centre’s mandate, including transboundary water management, countering terrorism, violent extremism, and drug trafficking, with particular attention to the evolving situation in Afghanistan.

Both sides underscored the importance of enhanced cooperation to address emerging threats and strengthen regional peace and stability. Russian counterparts commended the positive contribution of UNRCCA to fostering security and sustainable development in Central Asia. The need to further develop constructive engagement between UNRCCA and regional organizations such as the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) was particularly emphasized.

On 27 May, as a part of the visit, SRSG Imnadze met with the Secretary-General of the CIS, Mr. Sergey Lebedev. The discussions highlighted the ongoing collaboration between the two organizations and explored opportunities for joint efforts in promoting security and regional cooperation in Central Asia. Mr. Lebedev informed SRSG Imnadze of upcoming CIS-led forums and initiatives.

SRSG Imnadze also met with Mr. Samat Ordabaev, Deputy Secretary-General of the CSTO. The meeting acknowledged the growing interaction between the CSTO Secretariat and UNRCCA, and discussed shared concerns regarding regional security, with a particular focus on the implications of the situation in Afghanistan. The sides underscored the importance of preventive diplomacy, early warning, and information-sharing mechanisms to address common challenges.

In line with its mandate, the UNRCCA remains committed to working closely with regional and international partners to support sustainable peace, security, and development across Central Asian region.