MOSCOW. July 25 (Interfax) - Representatives of the BRICS countries in charge of security issues have discussed counterterrorist interaction and spoke out against politicizing it at a meeting in Johannesburg, the Russian Security Council's press service said.
"The parties emphasized that counterterrorist interaction is one of the priority areas of cooperation within BRICS. They spoke out against politicizing international antiterrorist cooperation, and reiterated the importance of implementing the BRICS antiterrorist strategy," the press service said in a statement.
The parties outlined plans to carry out a number of measures to ensure security in the use of information and communication technologies and preventing terrorists from using the Internet, the statement said.
"They addressed issues relating to joint actions to counter transnational organized crime and illegal drug distribution and corruption, as well as issues around ensuring epidemiological and biological security," it said.
In addition, the meeting's participants addressed the issue of providing food to countries in need, environmental protection, and the availability of drinking water.
"Regarding current issues around energy security, [the parties] noted that the West's unilateral unlawful restrictions and anti-market measures continue to inflict serious damage to the stability of global energy markets and international trade," it said.
Russian Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev represented the Russian Federation at the meeting of high representatives for security issues of the BRICS states (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa).