Nikolai Patrushev: With the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan, the SCO and CSTO states become the main guarantors of stability in Central Asia

In an interview with Argumenty i fakty, Nikolai Patrushev, Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, noted the role of the CSTO states as guarantors of stability in Central Asia.

Responding to a question about the role of the SCO, BRICS and CSTO states in the world, he emphasized, “The role of these organizations in the modern world is increasing. This is an objective trend. For example, BRICS represents more than 40% of the world’s population, 25% of global GDP and 22% of global trade. SCO, BRICS and CSTO take practical steps to strengthen global stability, regional security and trade and economic ties. We continuously cooperate on fighting terrorism, transnational crime, production and distribution of drugs, illegal migration, piracy and criminal use of information and communication technologies. And in the context of the ongoing pandemic, we pay attention to jointly combating the spread of infections.”

The Security Council Secretary stressed that these actions are not aimed at confrontation, but at achieving peace. “It is not our principle to be friends against anyone,” he noted.

Nikolai Patrushev stated, “The irresponsible withdrawal of American troops forced the region’s states to face growing problems that the Westerners have not only failed to solve, but even aggravated.”

Under these conditions, according to the Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, “the SCO and CSTO states become the main guarantors of stability in Central Asia. Essentially, Afghanistan has become a litmus test that once again confirms that Washington has no friends in the world, but only its own selfish interests.”

Speaking of the differences between these associations and those created by the West, Nikolai Patrushev noted, “While the West creates associations of states to contain unfavourable countries and suppress their own allies, Russia and our partners in the SCO, BRICS, EAEU, CSTO and CIS have no ulterior agenda. Our countries are united by a common contribution to national security and global stability, recognition of the rule of international law and the coordinating role of the UN, rejection of interference in the internal affairs of independent states, readiness to defend one’s own national interests without compromise and to be mindful of the sovereignty of other states.”