MOSCOW (Interfax-AVN) -- Iran could be admitted to the Collective Security Treaty Organization if it applies, CSTO General Secretary Nikolai Bordyuzha said.

"The CSTO is an open organization. If Iran applies in accordance with our charter, we will consider the application," Bordyuzha said at a news conference in Moscow on Monday.

The CSTO is dealing with Iran on several collective security tasks, he said.

"Our contacts with Iran are particularly intensive in the fight against the illicit drug trade in Central Asia," Bordyuzha said.