Pashinyan Meets with CSTO Secretary General Candidate Stanislav Zas

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan today received the candidate for the Secretary General of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) and the Secretary of the Security Council of Belarus, Stanislav Zas. The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Belarus to Armenia, Igor Nazaruk, was also present at the meeting.

The Prime Minister welcomed the guests at the Armenian government and emphasized the importance of reaching an agreement among CSTO member states regarding the candidacy for the Secretary General position. “It is pleasing that we have reached an agreement that starting from January 1, 2020, you will assume the position of CSTO Secretary General on a rotational basis. The CSTO is one of the most important elements of Armenia's security system, and Armenia is interested in the effective functioning of this body. The activities of the CSTO in our region should contribute to maintaining balance and peace,” noted Nikol Pashinyan. He added that the member states of the CSTO should act in accordance with the letter and spirit of the organization’s charter, and Armenia is committed to these principles. Pashinyan expressed hope that Stanislav Zas will contribute to enhancing cooperation in the field of security among the CSTO member states and improving collective security effectiveness.

Stanislav Zas thanked Prime Minister Pashinyan for the reception and for Armenia's support of his candidacy for the position of CSTO Secretary General. He noted that during his tenure, he would make every effort to enhance the effectiveness of CSTO operations and to develop cooperation among member states.

The interlocutors discussed issues related to cooperation within the CSTO framework. They addressed security challenges, military-technical cooperation, and the problems of maintaining military balance in the region, among other topics.

Prime Minister Pashinyan mentioned that Armenia is determined to continue joint work in an atmosphere of dialogue aimed at forming an effective agenda and developing mutually beneficial cooperation.

Stanislav Zas reiterated that starting from January 1, 2020, his work as CSTO Secretary General will serve the implementation of these goals and strengthening cooperation in the field of security among member states.

He also congratulated the Prime Minister and the people of Armenia on the Republic Day, wishing peace, prosperity, and success.