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MINSK, 28 November (BelTA) – Belarus is the most ardent supporter of the CSTO, Belarusian Minister of Foreign Affairs Maksim Ryzhenkov told journalists ahead of the CSTO summit at the level of heads of state, BelTA has learned.
The Belarusian foreign minister expects the upcoming summit to further strengthen the institutional foundations of the CSTO.
“We keep up with the times, and the organization develops in the spirit of the times. Belarus is the most ardent supporter of this organization. We will uphold all decisions that will be submitted for discussion and signing,” Maksim Ryzhenkov emphasized.
According to him, very important issues are raised during such events. This time, along with steps to strengthen and better coordinate the actions of the rapid response forces and their logistics, the agenda also includes documents aimed at preserving historical memory. In particular, this concerns the upcoming celebration of the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War.
Other issues on the agenda include efforts to expand the international presence of the CSTO, converge the activities of the organization with those of other international associations that also deal with international security issues.
Decisions related to personnel matters, budget, and allocation of funds for various projects are also expected to be made.
“Many events that took place in the CSTO region made us somewhat revisit our coordination of actions. A number of decisions will help strengthen the coordination of the relevant services,” said Maksim Ryzhenkov.
A joint program to beef up security on the Tajikistan-Afghanistan border is expected to be passed. “This is also a very important topic. Although it is far from Belarus, it has to do with the interests of our closest partners. And, of course, we do not separate our security from theirs. Therefore, we will also support these decisions,” the minister emphasized.
“A joint political statement of the heads of state will also be adopted. Naturally, the heads of state will exchange views on the current agenda. And I am sure that this exchange of views will go much further than studying the situation in individual regions. They will discuss the international situation in general, touching on painful hot spots of our planet – the things that worry all our partners and that can actually have a direct impact on the development of our states,” added Maksim Ryzhenkov.
Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko arrived in Kazakhstan on a working visit on 27 November. In Astana, the Belarusian head of state will take part in a meeting of the CSTO Collective Security Council on 28 November. The leaders of the countries are set to exchange views on the international and regional situation, its impact on the security of the CSTO member states, discuss the cooperation and prospects for the further development of the collective security system.
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