MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Interaction between Russia and the United States on Syria proves that anti-terrorism cooperation between the counties, which have disagreements on some issues, is not only possible, but also effective, Secretary of Russia's Security Council Nikolai Patrushev said Wednesday.
"Of course, the realization of this goal [the fight against terrorism] will require serious political will. And the existing contradictions and disagreements between states will have to recede into the background. Interaction between Russia and the United States on Syria is a good example that such cooperation is not only possible, but also effective," he said at the opening of the Moscow Conference on International Security.
"Concerted and energetic actions of the entire international community are required to effectively combat this global [terrorist] threat," he said.
A US-Russia-brokered ceasefire came into force across Syria on February 27. It does not apply to terrorist groups such as Daesh and al-Nusra Front, both outlawed in many countries, including Russia.
"Separate considerable efforts will be required to detect and effectively block the funding channels and other support to terrorism. Any resource support to terrorists including due to illegal oil products, antiques and arms trade," Patrushev added.
US Department of State deputy spokesperson Mark Toner welcomed Russia’s efforts to defeat Daesh in Syria.
"International terrorist organizations continue to engage more supporters. Intensification of terrorist activities regarding the national armed forces and law enforcement agencies is observed," Patrushev said.
Both Washington and Moscow have been conducting military operations against terrorists in the war-torn country. The US-led international coalition of more than 60 members has been carrying out airstrikes against Daesh targets in Iraq and Syria since August and September 2014 respectively. Russian began its own operation in September 2015 at the request of Syrian President Bashar Assad.
"I am sure that all peoples are interested to consolidate efforts in fight against the growing terror threat. At the same time, such cooperation should be conducted on the basis of equal interaction and with respect to sovereignty and territorial integrity of states without interference to the internal affairs," Patrushev added.
