by Damir Zaidullayev
On November 28, 2024, Astana is hosting a key session of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) statutory bodies, marking the conclusion of Kazakhstan’s chairmanship of the organization. This pivotal meeting reflects on a year of dedicated efforts by Kazakhstan to strengthen regional security, enhance the operational readiness of the Collective Forces, and refine crisis response mechanisms to address modern threats.
The session’s agenda includes an evaluation of the current international and regional security landscape, a review of the organization’s achievements over the past year, and the setting of strategic priorities for the future.
Kazakhstan will present a comprehensive report on its chairmanship, highlighting significant accomplishments, including measures to bolster security along the Tajik-Afghan border—a critical initiative in countering transnational threats. According to Imangali Tasmagambetov, the current Secretary General of the CSTO, the Collective Security Council plans to approve a targeted interstate program aimed at ensuring security on the Tajik-Afghan border – «The Afghan issue is one of the relevant areas of activity of the Collective Security Treaty Organization. You know perfectly well what Afghanistan means for Central Asia, although the situation seems to have stabilized and is moving slowly toward a peaceful course. Nevertheless, there are still enough terrorist organizations on the territory of Afghanistan, of course, the problem is very serious»
Notably, Armenia has chosen not to attend this session, signaling growing dissatisfaction with the CSTO’s approach to addressing its security concerns. Armenia has repeatedly voiced its frustration over what it perceives as a lack of adequate support from the CSTO in response to escalating tensions with Azerbaijan. The decision to skip this critical session underscores the challenges the organization faces in maintaining cohesion among its member states. This absence raises questions about the CSTO’s ability to effectively balance the diverse security interests of its members, especially when these interests may conflict with broader regional dynamics.
The session is expected to culminate in the signing of 14 key agreements aimed at advancing collective security. These agreements will address the enhancement of the CSTO’s collective defense capabilities, improvements in crisis coordination, and the deepening of military cooperation among member states. Such initiatives underscore the organization’s commitment to safeguarding regional stability and security, even as internal divisions persist.
Following the session, the chairmanship of the CSTO for 2025 will officially transition to the Kyrgyz Republic. In preparation for its leadership role, Kyrgyzstan has already identified key priorities, including strengthening inter-member cooperation and adopting new approaches to counter challenges such as international terrorism, cyber threats, and drug trafficking.
This leadership transition to Kyrgyzstan signifies the conclusion of a productive year under Kazakhstan’s guidance. The decisions and initiatives adopted at this session are expected to have a lasting impact on reinforcing the CSTO’s role as a cornerstone of stability and security in the region. However, Armenia’s absence highlights the need for the organization to address internal tensions and ensure that all member states feel their concerns are adequately represented, lest such issues undermine the CSTO’s collective mission.