Minsk, 21 June 2023 (TDI): In order to discuss the future trajectory of the ongoing regional and international issues and their impact on the security situation of its member states, the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) convened a meeting of the foreign ministers of the member countries in Minsk on June 20, 2023.
The participants were received by Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko, who stressed the establishment of more integrated and cooperative relations between the member states in the political, social, economic, and humanitarian sectors to foster unity and peace among them.
During the meeting, the states discussed some of the most pressing issues of recent times, including Afghanistan’s instability, the prospect of an arms race in space and the Azerbaijan-Armenia conflict, which jeopardizes the security of the whole region.
Prevention of Arms Race in Outer Space
While acknowledging the importance of peaceful space explorations for the common good of mankind and space activities for the enhancement of socio-economic and technological gains, CSTO member states urged to prevent any arms race in space and take strict measures in this regard.
In addition, the states emphasized the importance of respecting international laws while conducting space activities to ensure international cooperation along with maintaining peace and security.
The participants also called for increased transparency in space-related activities to prevent it from becoming a whirlpool of military confrontations.
Afghanistan’s Stability, Necessity for Regional Security
CSTO members considered a stable and secure Afghanistan, free from terrorism, drugs and war, as a pre-condition for ensuring stability and security in the region.
They voiced concerns over the rising threats of terrorism, drug trafficking and human rights violations in Kabul and urged the Afghanistan government to take measures in accordance with international law to address these concerns and form an inclusive government.
Moreover, the CSTO states supported the provision of humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan and international measures to maintain peace and security within and around the country.
Discussion on the Azerbaijan-Armenia Border Developments
During the course of the event, the Armenian Foreign Minister underscored the recent clashes along the Azerbaijan-Armenia border and the situation in the Nagorno-Karabakh region.
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He reiterated the ongoing illegal occupation of Armenian areas by Azerbaijan, threatening Armenian sovereignty as well as undermining the CSTO’s goal of maintaining regional security and peace.
Armenia expressed readiness to establish peace in the region through settlement of disputes, constructive dialogue and addressing security issues in the Nagorno Karabakh region.
A Draft for Quota Position Allocation
As the meeting progressed, the CSTO Secretariat prepared a draft for the allocation of quota positions to member states for the next three years, which was approved by the participants. They also adopted several documents about the organization’s financial and other activities.
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Moreover, the participating countries expressed their willingness to curtail tensions at the regional as well as global levels while considering regional and global trends and their impacts on CSTO members’ security.
CSTO is a valuable platform for its member states to support mutual discussions and negotiations over the security threats of the region and also for the recognition of their collective security interests.
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