Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) - Moscow will welcome any steps by Tashkent aimed at expanding ties with the CSTO. Russian Permanent Representative to the Collective Security Treaty Organization Mikael Agasandyan said in an interview with RIA Novosti.

“Despite the fact that Tashkent suspended its membership in the Organization in 2012, we proceed from the importance of consolidating mutually beneficial contacts and generally useful coordination of actions with it, including in the context of the difficult situation in Afghanistan,” he said.

According to the diplomat, Russia will support any steps of Tashkent towards the CSTO, not excluding those that may be aimed at restoring full membership in the bloc.

On 23 August, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, as a guest, took part in the summit of the heads of state of the CSTO, dedicated to the events in Afghanistan.