Maria Zakharova: The CSTO is increasingly strengthening its role as a key security structure in its region of responsibility

The role of the Collective Security Treaty Organization as a key security structure in the region will grow amid global instability, the demand for the organization’s efforts will also grow. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said this at a briefing on Thursday, TASS reports.
“The Collective Security Treaty Organization, in fact, is increasingly establishing itself as a key structure to ensure security and stability in its region of responsibility. Obviously, amidst continuing global instability and the proliferation of regional conflicts, the role and the relevance of the CSTO’s efforts will increase,” stressed the diplomat.
Ms Zakharova noted that during the crisis in Kazakhstan, the Organization showed its ability to act quickly, decisively and strictly within the law.
“The CSTO’s experience is much needed and will be carefully analysed, especially in order to increase the allies’ efforts in a joint counteraction to any attempts of external destructive interference in the organization’s zone of responsibility,” she said.
Protests took place in a number of settlements in Kazakhstan on January 2, and several days later they turned into riots. They were accompanied by attacks on police and the military. At the request of Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, a CSTO peacekeeping contingent was sent to protect strategic facilities.
After the situation in the Republic of Kazakhstan was stabilized, the CSTO peacekeeping force has now withdrawn from the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan and returned to its permanent bases.