CSTO Secretary General Noted the Growing Role of Sub-Regional Security Cooperation

On November 8, Imangali Tasmagambetov, CSTO Secretary General, delivered a welcoming speech at the 11th meeting of secretaries of security councils of the CIS countries.

“The erosion of international law, decline in the authority and real status of international organizations make the situation less and less predictable and establish new trends of degradation of the situation in the world arena. This impacts the national security of our states,” the CSTO Secretary General noted.

He also added that the CSTO space has become a place “where various hybrid technologies are being tested and serious threats to the internal stability of the Organization’s Member States are being formed."

“Here the role of sub-regional security cooperation is increasing, as often local problems are of such a specific nature that no global international organization is able to resolve it. It is important that these local problems can grow into regional ones in case of overt or covert interference of external forces pursuing destructive goals,” Imangali Tasmagambetov emphasized.

In addition, the CSTO Secretary General noted the gradual resolution of the conflict situation between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan on delimitation and demarcation of the common border.

Mr Tasmagambetov also emphasized that the southern borders of the CSTO’s area of responsibility are still at risk of terrorist activity, illegal migration and illegal trafficking in weapons and drugs.

“Infiltration of terrorists and extremists is due not only to the extremely challenging situation in Afghanistan, but also to instability in the regions bordering Afghanistan. All of this makes it even more relevant to finalize the draft CSTO Targeted Interstate Programme on Strengthening Sections of the Tajik-Afghan Border as soon as possible. The issue of water use in Central Asia also remains pressing,” Imangali Tasmagambetov said.

As part of its response to new challenges and threats, the Organization is increasing its analytical and predictive capabilities, he said. Much attention is paid to the development of effective methods to counter biological security threats. A key area of CSTO activity is improving the training and management systems of the Organization’s Collective Forces. The results of the efforts are regularly tested in the format of joint combat training activities, and a peacekeeping track is also being developed.