Sergei Rachkov: We Continue to Reinforce Ties in CSTO Area of Responsibility

In an interview with Soyuznoye veche, Sergei Rachkov, Chairman of the Commission on International Affairs, Migration Policy and Relations with Compatriots of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union of Belarus and Russia, said that the focus of attention of Belarus as the CSTO presiding state is crisis management, effective positioning of the organization in the system of international relations and strengthening of the bloc’s military component.

He added that the parliamentarians also contribute to the achievement of these goals within the framework of the Parliamentary Assembly of the CSTO Member States.

“Our countries have repeatedly emphasized this principle: one cannot ensure one’s own security at the expense of the others. Belarus and Russia are neighbours, close allies, strategic partners, we will continue to strengthen military and political interaction to ensure our peaceful life and security in the CSTO are of responsibility,” Mr Rachkov said.

The parliamentarian noted that “many people in the West would like to destabilize the situation in our region, to divide everyone.” However, he is sure that the CSTO countries’ borders “are securely protected, especially after the deployment of tactical nuclear weapons on the territory of the Republic of Belarus and the deployment a joint regional grouping of troops.”

As you may recall, on September 1–6, Belarus together with the CSTO Collective Force will host a joint operational and strategic exercise Boyevoye bratstvo 2023. A mission of the CSTO Parliamentary Assembly will also monitor the exercise.