The Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) plans to intensify collaboration with the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), a move aimed at expanding the organization’s capabilities and influence, CSTO Secretary General Imangali Tasmagambetov said in an interview with TASS.
Responding to a question about whether new countries might apply to join the CSTO, Tasmagambetov said there have been no such signals so far. He noted, however, that when discussing the organization’s partnerships, it is important to look beyond potential new members to cooperation with other international structures.
“This fall, the secretaries general of the CIS, SCO, and CSTO signed a roadmap for developing cooperation,” he said. “Formats that do not necessarily involve new memberships can be no less promising — they, in turn, enhance the CSTO’s capacity and influence.”
Tasmagambetov emphasized that “Eurasia is currently facing a very challenging period from a security standpoint.” According to him, potential partners are closely observing how the CSTO responds to crises and “hybrid attacks” targeting the organization itself. “The special military operation in Ukraine is also a key factor,” he added. “The situation could change significantly once it concludes.”
Roadmap for cooperation
In September, Tasmagambetov and the Secretaries General of the CIS, Sergey Lebedev, and the SCO, Nurlan Yermekbayev, signed a roadmap on expanding cooperation among the three organizations. The document, prepared by the Russian side, was accompanied by joint statements marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and the founding of the United Nations.
According to the CSTO, the parties reaffirmed their shared commitment to building a new Eurasian security architecture, promoting economic cooperation, and deepening cultural ties.
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Photo: Public Domain/Collective Security Treaty Organization
Based on materials from TASS