Aleksandr Lukashenko: enhancement of CSTO’s information and analytical capacity is one of Belarus’ priorities

Strengthening of information and analytical component in the activities of the Collective Security Treaty Organization will be one of the priorities of the Republic of Belarus during its presidency in the Organization, said Aleksandr Lukashenko, President of the Republic of Belarus, at a meeting of the CSTO Collective Security Council in Yerevan.
According to BELTA, the President of the Republic of Belarus reminded that at the meeting of the CSTO leaders in Moscow on May 16 he spoke about the importance of analytical and forecasting component in the Organization’s activities. “That is why we are going to focus on developing the institutional capacity of the CSTO in the information and analytical domain. We see it as a way to ensure qualitative strengthening of the Organization and a more effective response to the emerging security challenges and threats,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
“Information and psychological warfare has become akin to military operations. We must be prepared for that,” recalled Aleksandr Lukashenko. He is sure that establishment of a network of think tanks focusing on strategic research in the Member States can become a practical step towards realization of this priority. “This will bring together the research and expert potential of our countries in the name of peace and security. We see it as an important tool for the preparation, within our Organization, of concept notes and policy papers on important issues of international and regional security,” said the President of the Republic of Belarus.
Belarus proposes to hold a meeting of heads of national think tanks of the CSTO Member States in Minsk in 2023 to ensure a systematic approach to work in this field. “We have already held several such events with Russia. It was their initiative, by the way. It was very well received by the expert community,” said the President of the Republic of Belarus.
Aleksandr Lukashenko believes the media component is an important factor in strengthening the position of the CSTO: “We believe that it is high time not only to step up the awareness-raising effort, but also to develop new approaches. I think Russia with its powerful media apparatus should play a major role here. They, of course, have more capabilities here,” he said.