Meeting of the Foreign Ministers of CSTO Member States Held

On December 1, ahead of the session of the Collective Security Council of the CSTO, a meeting of the foreign ministers of the CSTO member states was held via videoconference. The agenda of the meeting included issues related to enhancing the effectiveness of the CSTO's activities and deepening cooperation within the organization, as well as strengthening the organization’s defense component. Discussions were also held regarding the consolidation of CSTO cooperation with international organizations and the establishment of partnership ties.

In his speech, Minister Ayvazyan congratulated his Russian counterpart on its effective presidency in the CSTO and noted Armenia's willingness to support the implementation of the priorities of Tajikistan's upcoming presidency in the organization.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia, Ayvazyan, thoroughly addressed the war unleashed by Azerbaijan against Artsakh, its consequences, and regional developments. He particularly emphasized Turkey's direct involvement in Azerbaijan's actions and its transportation of foreign militant terrorists from regions under the control of Turkish forces in Syria and Libya to Azerbaijan for participation in military operations against Artsakh.

In the context of the important issue of foreign militant terrorists on the CSTO agenda, Minister Ayvazyan drew the attention of his colleagues to Azerbaijan’s steps to establish a hub of international terrorism in the South Caucasus region, which poses a threat of transferring that terrorism risk to other countries in our region and neighboring areas.

Minister Ayvazyan referred to the ceasefire established in the Artsakh conflict zone by the November 9 statement and the deployment of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh, adding that allies are expected to support Russia’s efforts and the peace process within the framework of the co-chairmanship of the OSCE Minsk Group.

Regarding overcoming the consequences of Azerbaijan's aggression, Minister Ayvazyan identified addressing humanitarian issues as a priority step, including the urgent exchange of prisoners of war and hostages, as well as the clarification of data on missing persons. “Despite the existence of the relevant provision in the statement, Azerbaijan has yet to demonstrate readiness to implement it promptly.”

During the CSTO Foreign Ministers' Council meeting, a joint statement of the CSTO Foreign Ministers on the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II was adopted. The drafts of the CSTO Collective Security Council Declaration and statement, in which member states advocate for the exclusively peaceful, political-diplomatic resolution of armed conflicts within internationally recognized negotiation frameworks were approved. Efforts will be made to combat the dangers of international terrorism, including those related to the financing, training, arming of foreign militant-terrorists, and their use as mercenaries in armed conflicts.

Several drafts aimed at improving the CSTO collective security system were also approved, including a draft agreement on the joint logistical and medical support of CSTO forces (collective forces), the draft anti-drug strategy of CSTO member states for 2021-2025, and other draft documents.