Tokayev: Today we will sign an important decision at CSTO summit

Tengrinews.kz - Kassym-Jomart Tokayev participated in the expanded session of the CSTO Collective Security Council held in Astana.

Under the chairmanship of Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, a regular session of the Collective Security Council of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) took place in Astana.

The summit was attended by the presidents of Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Tajikistan. The session also saw participation from Sergey Lebedev, Secretary General of the Commonwealth of Independent States, and Zhang Ming, Secretary General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

Opening the session, Tokayev expressed his gratitude to the participants for attending the event.

"The CSTO today acts as an effective and sought-after international structure focused on ensuring collective security. Over the years, member states have accumulated extensive experience in collaboration across a wide range of issues. A comprehensive regulatory framework has been established, and mechanisms to combat modern challenges and threats have been developed. Collective security forces and resources have been created and are operational. Constructive cooperation has been established with several reputable international and regional organizations," Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said.

The President noted that during the restricted session, the heads of state exchanged views on pressing issues of international and regional security and discussed the main results of the CSTO’s activities under Kazakhstan's chairmanship this year.

"The outcomes of the meeting reaffirmed our strong commitment to act jointly to prevent challenges and threats to collective security. During the discussions, we aligned our positions on current international agenda issues. Our shared assessments of the current situation and vision for the CSTO's further development are reflected in the Declaration of the Collective Security Council, drafted at Kazakhstan's initiative,” Tokayev said.

Particular attention was given to celebrating the significant milestone of the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War.

"The heroism of veterans and the labor feats of home front workers will forever remain in our memory, serving as an inexhaustible source of pride and respect. Ahead of this remarkable date, it is important to adopt the CSTO Collective Security Council's statement and approve the plan for anniversary celebrations," the President said.

Tokayev also highlighted that approximately 60 events on statutory cooperation areas were held under Kazakhstan's chairmanship. Collaborative work was carried out with partners to promote agreed-upon approaches on the international stage.

"The shared assessments of CSTO member states formed the basis of a series of political documents adopted this year. These include statements on international information security, space cooperation, the situation in the Middle East, and the 80th anniversary of Belarus's liberation from Nazi occupation," he said.

The president added that significant attention was given to combat training of the collective security system's forces and resources throughout the year.

"Today, we will sign two protocols to international agreements on the status of CSTO forces and the transportation of military contingents. Efforts to enhance the skills and readiness of CSTO peacekeeping contingents are ongoing. In September and October, Kazakhstan hosted command and staff exercises with the CSTO Peacekeeping Forces titled 'Indestructible Brotherhood-2024' and special CSTO drills called 'Rock-2024.' Joint actions were practiced for conducting complex emergency rescue operations at high-risk facilities," he shared.

According to Tokayev, countering current challenges and threats remained a key focus throughout the year.

"Various stages of special operations, such as 'Mercenary,' 'Channel,' 'Illegal,' and 'Proxy,' were conducted simultaneously in Kazakhstan and other CSTO member states. These operations aimed to prevent threats related to international terrorism, drug trafficking, illegal migration, and challenges in the information space," he said.

Tokayev continued that for the first time this year, consultations were held on countering the illegal trafficking of weapons, ammunition, and organized transnational crime at Kazakhstan's initiative.

"Work is underway to create a specialized working group within the CSTO. Under the coordination of Kazakhstan's chairmanship, the Targeted Program for Strengthening the Tajik-Afghan Border was finalized. The document, in development since 2013, will be signed today to strengthen the organization's southern borders," the Head of State noted.

He emphasized that the priorities of Kazakhstan's CSTO chairmanship are being systematically and consistently implemented, and active work to advance them will continue with the support of partners.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev expressed gratitude to the CSTO Secretary General, the Permanent Council, and the organization's working bodies for their significant contributions.

During the expanded session of the CSTO Collective Security Council, Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov and CSTO Secretary General Imangali Tasmagambetov delivered speeches.

In conclusion, the President congratulated Sadyr Japarov on the decision for Kyrgyzstan to assume the CSTO chairmanship on January 1, 2025, and wished the Kyrgyz side success in this important mission.

Tokayev: CSTO is more than just a military partnership