Russia is ready to cooperate with the EU in promoting the development of CIS states, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Tuesday.
"We respect any interests the EU has on CIS territory and are ready for full-scale cooperation with it [EU] in developing the region," Lavrov said, adding that EU policy should promote the strengthening of the area's economic and political stability.
The minister also said that the Russian Foreign Ministry would focus on its preparations for the forthcoming summits in the region.
Lavrov also stressed the importance of the development of the CIS region in the context of the Eastern partnership initiative.
MINSK, November 23 (RIA Novosti)
