Russian, German FMs call for anti-terror cooperation

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and his German counterpart, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, on Wednesday called for the strengthening of international anti-terror cooperation.

The two ministers agreed that issues related to the fight against terrorism would be studied more closely in the framework of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).

Steinmeier said Tuesday's attacks in Brussels once again showed the necessity of OSCE coordination on the issue.

At least 34 people were killed in explosions Tuesday at the Brussels international airport and a metro station close to European Union institutions. The Islamic State militant group claimed the attacks.

"It is in our common interests to counter global terrorism," Steinmeier said, suggesting that the exchange of information should be intensified.

For his part, Lavrov agreed on the important role of the OSCE, but stressed the need for European countries to break geopolitical and ideological barriers in face of terrorism.

The two sides also talked about bilateral relations, key international problems like Syria and Ukraine.

A meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Steinmeier is scheduled later in the day. The German diplomat would also meet U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, who arrived in Moscow on Wednesday afternoon. Endi