Kazakhstan’s capital Astana hosts Collective Security Treaty Organization summit

ISTANBUL

Kazakhstan’s capital Astana on Thursday hosted a summit of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), including a meeting involving the leaders of the Russia-led military alliance’s member states.

The meeting of the CSTO’s Collective Security Council was held under the chairmanship of Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and with the participation of his Belarusian, Kyrgyz, Russian, and Tajik counterparts, as well as the organization's Secretary-General Imangali Tasmagambetov.

Among the members of CSTO -- Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Tajikistan -- only Armenia did not take part in the summit, as Yerevan suspended its participation in the organization earlier this year.

Yerevan’s decision primarily stemmed from its dissatisfaction with the bloc's response to its security concerns, especially regarding the 44-day conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia in the Karabakh region back in 2020.

Following the meeting, the heads of state inked 14 separate documents, including a declaration in which they declared their commitment to further develop the CSTO and their intention to continue interaction between member states.

The document published on the CSTO website said the heads of state underlined the need for the formation and development of a “sustainable security system” in Eurasia with the aim to maintain “stability and peaceful coexistence of all Eurasian states.”

Expressing deep concern about the escalation in the Middle East, the declaration called for a “sustainable cessation of hostilities in the Gaza Strip and the region as a whole, ensuring uninterrupted and safe delivery of humanitarian aid, and restraint amid the threat of an expansion of the armed confrontation zone.”

“We emphasize the need to create conditions for a political and diplomatic settlement and intensify efforts to achieve peace, stability and security for all residents of the region,” the declaration further said.

It also said the CSTO leaders advocate for Afghanistan to become a “peaceful, independent and united state, free from war, terrorism and drugs.”

It went on to note the importance of the formation of an inclusive Afghan government, calling on the international community to increase the volume of humanitarian aid to the country to support the population and develop local infrastructure.

It added that they reaffirm their commitment to bolster collective efforts in various issues, including the fight against international terrorism and extremism.