OSCE Chairperson discussed with Russian Foreign Minister visit to Afghanistan, Transdniestrian conflict and appointment of OSCE key officials

VILNIUS, 18 May 2011 - In today’s telephone conversation with the Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Audronius Ažubalis discussed the process of appointment of the OSCE Secretary General, the progress in addressing protracted conflicts, and collective approaches to tackling transnational security threats.

The conversation between the Ministers focused in particular on the efforts to resume the formal 5+2 negotiations on Transdniestrian conflict settlement. The Russian Federation and the OSCE participate in the meetings of the 5+2 format, which also includes the Republic of Moldova, Transdniestria, Ukraine, the United States and the European Union.

Ažubalis informed Lavrov on his recent visit to Tajikistan and Afghanistan's Kunduz Province where he discussed the Organization's common projects with Tajikistan and Afghanistan, aimed at strengthening border management, effectively contributing to combating terrorism, preventing drug trafficking and illegal migration.