Meeting of the Director of the Federal Drug Control Service of the Russian Federation, Mr. V.P.Ivanov with Under-Secretary General of the United Nations - Executive Director of the UNODC, Mr. A.M.Costa

VIENNA, 13 November 2008 (UNODC). Mr.Victor P.Ivanov, Director of the Federal Drug Control Service of the Russian Federation during his meeting with Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Mr. A.M.Costa discussed current issues of international cooperation in countering illegal drug trafficking, including the situation in Afghanistan, state and perspectives of cooperation of the UNODC with Russia in counter-narcotics sphere. 

Mr. V.P.Ivanov expressed concern about unflagging illegal drugs flow out of Afghanistan, including those being trafficked via the so-called “northern route” - through the territory of Russia and other CIS countries. «We consider UNODC as an important partner in counter-fighting Afghan drug threat. We support arrangement by the UNODC long-term cooperation with the regional mechanisms, such as the Organization of the Collective Security Treaty (OCST) and Shanghai Organization of Cooperation (SOC) acting in Central Asia», - said Mr.V.P.Ivanov.

Mr.А.М.Costa highly appreciated Russia’s support for a pilot project on counter-narcotics training of Central Asian and Afghan law enforcement personnel. «This is a clear demonstration of the commitment of Russia, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, to bolstering security in Afghanistan and well beyond its borders. Russia’s expertise is welcome», - said Mr.A.M.Costa.