Kochanova: MPs should have a bigger say in security matters

MINSK, 18 May (BelTA) – Parliamentarians should play a bigger role in matters related to security, Chairwoman of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly Natalya Kochanova said at the CSTO PA Council meeting on 18 May, BelTA has learned.

Natalya Kochanova noted that parliamentary dimension is an important part of the CSTO. The CSTO Parliamentary Assembly develops recommendations and model laws to align and harmonize laws of the member states. The implementation of the respective program for 2021-2025 will help improve national legislations and the legal framework of collective security, make it more resilient to modern challenges and threats.

“However, this is clearly not enough today. It is important to expand inter-parliamentary cooperation, improve coordination of our states, strengthen the CSTO, its role and place in the system of international relations. We should stay united more than ever (our president has also mentioned this today), demonstrate integrity in common approaches, provide support to each other on international platforms, promptly adopt statements on topical issues on the agenda. We must decisively promote the interests of our countries in regional associations and make the most of the political support of partners,” Natalya Kochanova stressed.

The chairwoman of the Council of the Republic is sure that the voice of parliamentarians should sound louder when it comes to security issues. “Our common strategic goal is to promote a civilized dialogue throughout the world, to help create an atmosphere of trust and harmony, build a balanced and fair multipolar community of sovereign states. The future of our countries, the region and all mankind depends on us,” she summed up.