In addition to that, "NATO and its allies' actions in terms of creating a global missile defense system can only contribute to instability," Lavrov said.
Russian FM Lavrov Denounces NATO Military Buildup near Russia Borders
“NATO rotates its troops on the so-called south [NATO] flank and conducts military exercises almost every day, a new military infrastructure is being built. All these steps contradict the main agreement between Russia and NATO [the Founding Act on Mutual Relations, Cooperation and Security between NATO and the Russian Federation] and seriously change the political landscape especially in the northeastern part of Europe. This region used to be one of the most militarily stable regions but it is being transformed into a zone of high tensions. The NATO and its allies' actions, in terms of creating a global missile defense system, can only contribute to instability."
NATO has been deploying troops and equipment close to Russia’s borders since it suspended all ties with Moscow in April 2014 after the Crimean Peninsula rejoined the Russian Federation following a referendum.
The United States and its European allies accuse Moscow of destabilizing Ukraine and have imposed a number of sanctions against Russian and pro-Russia figures. Moscow, however, rejects having a hand in the Ukrainian crisis.
Moscow has on many occasions slammed NATO’s expansion near its borders, saying such a move poses a threat to both regional and international peace.
NATO Shelves War on Terror Due to Its Political Ambitions
Elsewhere in his remarks, the Russian foreign minister said NATO has been compromising in the fight against terrorism due to political ambitions.
“I would like to point out that the joint fight against terrorism was among those projects that were frozen by the North Atlantic Alliance and sacrificed for its political ambitions.”
Lavrov cautioned against turning the crisis in Syria into a sectarian conflict.
He also warned against the rising threat of terrorist groups such as Daesh (ISIS / ISIL) to the world.
Daesh and other militants operating across Syria and Iraq have launched several attacks involving poisonous or asphyxiating agents, such as sarin, over the past few years.
Nearly 500 guests are in the Russian capital for the security conference. Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Hossein Dehqan has also attended the two-day event.
The summit is expected to address the conflict in the Middle East, issues of security in the Asia-Pacific region, the problem of war and peace in Europe as well as global security and military cooperation.
S/SH 11