Putin met with Secretary General of the CSTO at the Novo-Ogaryovo residence outside Moscow

The participants discussed the implementation of plans to fight terrorism and drug trafficking, as well as security measures for the celebrations to mark the 75th anniversary of the Great Victory.

Representative of the Republic of Belarus Stanislav Zas took over as CSTO Secretary General from January 1, 2020. His candidacy was approved by the leaders of the member countries on November 28, 2019.

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President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Good afternoon, Mr Zas,

I am delighted to see you in your new capacity. You are an experienced person. I hope that you will use all your experience to ensure that the CSTO secretariat works smoothly, so that all previously made plans are implemented. I am referring to the coordination of our collective forces, as well as our work in the most important spheres such as the fight against terrorism, drugs and other such threats.

We have many plans. Celebrations to mark the 75th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War are coming up. Relevant events have also been scheduled within the framework of the CSTO. I really do hope that all of this will be fulfilled.

You are well aware that Russia took over the CSTO chairmanship this year, so we will work with you more closely than usual.

I am very glad to see you.

CSTO Secretary General Stanislav Zas: Thank you, Mr President.

I am very grateful to you for finding this opportunity for today's meeting. Given that Russia chairs the CSTO and plays a key role in our organisation, such meetings, such a dialogue is vitally important in planning the work of the Secretary General and all the main working bodies of the CSTO.

With your permission, I will now briefly comment on the situation and then in more detail, on the tasks that we have on the agenda this year.

I’ve been in office for two and a half months now, and I can say frankly there is no regret, no confusion, everything is fine. There is a clear understanding of what needs to be done.