Putin: Russia is ready to expand cooperation with all countries

 The IX Moscow Conference on International Security has opened on Wednesday. It was addressed by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Geopolitical processes are becoming increasingly turbulent in the world despite some positive signals, and the erosion of international law continues, Putin said in a video address to participants in the Moscow Conference on International Security posted on the Kremlin’s website on Wednesday.

"Unfortunately, geopolitical processes are becoming increasingly turbulent despite isolated positive signals. The erosion of international law continues as well. The attempts to use force to push through one’s own interests and to strengthen one’s own security at the expense of the security of others continue unabated," the Russian leader stated.

The solution of the most important issues of today’s military and political agenda, and the productive search for effective joint responses to common challenges are crucial for "strengthening security on the planet and the sustainable development," Putin said.

"Regional armed conflicts, the risks of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, the activity of cross-border criminal groups, drug trafficking and cybercriminals are causing us serious concern," the Russian leader said.

"International terrorism continues to pose a particular threat," Putin stressed.

The scale and the global nature of these challenges require that all the states pull their efforts together, and this collective work must be based on international law and the UN Charter goals and principles, the Russian leader said.

"Any new rules should be formulated under the auspices of the UN. All other avenues will lead to chaos and unpredictability," Putin stressed.

Since its inception, the UN has been and remains the foundation of the international relations system and the main objective of this authoritative and internationally recognized organization is "to prevent a global conflict, a new world war," the Russian leader stated.

"Russia always keeps in mind its responsibility for safety and flourishing of neighboring countries, with which we have indispensable historical, cultural and human links," he said.

The country’s authorities "plan to continue facilitating the de-escalation of regional conflicts, strengthening of peace and stability on the continent in the future," Putin noted.

"Of course, we cannot but be concerned about the never-ending buildup of NATO's military capabilities and infrastructure near Russian borders, as well as the fact that the alliance refuses to constructively consider our proposals on de-escalating tensions and reducing the risk of unpredictable incidents," the Russian leader said.

Putin stressed that Moscow "expects that common sense and a desire to develop constructive relations with us will eventually prevail".

According to the president, Russia’s efforts are aimed at reducing risks, ensuring predictability and ironing out differences through dialogue and particular agreements, including in the field of arms control.

Against this background, he stressed that the new "security equation" should take into account all factors affecting strategic stability. "Earlier Russia put forward a proposal on developing a new ‘security equation’. It should take into account all factors affecting strategic stability in their interrelationship".

The Russian leader is convinced that "political will and readiness for compromises can yield a positive result". According to him, a clear example of this is the extension of the Russian-US New START (Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty) until 2026.

President referred to settlement of regional conflicts as an important aspect of ensuring global security, adding that Russia actively promotes that.

"Thanks to our military help a large part of the Syrian territory has been freed from international terrorists, the dissipation of the Syrian state has been prevented, whereas the political and diplomatic efforts under the Astana format together with Turkey and Iran allowed starting the process of Syrian settlement under UN auspices," Putin emphasized.

Putin noted that Russia made a landmark contribution to ironing out the conflict around Nagorno-Karabakh.

"With Russia’s landmark contribution, the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh was stopped," the Russian leader said in a video message. Russian peacekeepers guarantee peace and security in the region and do a lot to improve humanitarian situation, demining territories and restoring social infrastructure, Putin noted.