U.S.-Russia working group discusses mutual tech security concerns WASHINGTON, Nov. 22 (UPI) -- The United States and Russia said a bilateral working group addressed "issues of mutual interest" on possible threats to security of communication technologies. The Working Group on Threats to and in the Use of Information and Communication Technologies in the Context of International Security met Thursday and Friday in Washington. It was the group's first meeting since its establishment following an agreement this year between U.S. President Barack Obama and Russian President Vladimir Putin. "This meeting of the working group addressed a broad range of issues of mutual interest on threats to and in the use of ICTs in the context of international security," the group said in a joint statement issued by the White House. A key component of the discussion concerned the implementation of the bilateral confidence building measures announced by Presidents Obama and Putin in June 2013. The statement said the measures are "intended to promote transparency and enhance strategic stability by reducing tensions caused by threats to and in the use of ICTs." The group, which is to meet "on a regular and scheduled basis," also discussed policy on "norms of state behavior, cooperation to combat crime in the use of ICTs and defense issues resulting from the use of ICTs."