We Need to Establish Military Cooperation Among CSTO Countries for Increased Combat Readiness - Harshakyan

Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of Armenia and member of the parliamentary delegation to the CSTO Parliamentary Assembly, Hakob Harshakyan, participated in an online round table discussion organized on the occasion of the 15th anniversary of the CSTO Parliamentary Assembly on December 1st.

In his opening remarks, Deputy Speaker Harshakyan emphasized that the challenges and threats in recent years demonstrate the need for collective efforts to ensure security and respond effectively to global challenges.

Harshakyan touched on the jubilee events, noting that the CSTO Parliamentary Assembly is celebrating its 15th anniversary, while next year will mark the 30th anniversary of the Collective Security Treaty and the 20th anniversary of the CSTO Organization. "During this time, the organization has strengthened its status as a multifunctional regional international organization," said Hakob Harshakyan.

The Deputy Speaker addressed the priorities of Armenia’s presidency in the organization, aimed at enhancing the organization’s capacity for collective security and sustainable development. According to the parliament's vice president, it is essential to improve mechanisms for responding to crisis situations. In this context, he stated, monitoring, forecasting, and early warning mechanisms for crisis situations are crucial.

“We consider the establishment of military cooperation among CSTO countries necessary to enhance the combat readiness, cohesion, and mobility of collective security forces. Our efforts will focus on developing issues and updating and improving proposals aimed at increasing the effectiveness of the fight against terrorism and extremism, information security, combating drug trafficking, and addressing illegal migration,” emphasized Harshakyan.

He spoke about the important role of parliamentary diplomacy and added that steps towards expanding international parliamentary cooperation will continue to be developed. “In international parliamentary platforms, we, as partners, should show a united and coordinated stance on issues affecting the interests of our allies—the member states of the CSTO,” Harshakyan affirmed.

According to the Deputy Speaker, it is necessary to devise measures to address emerging challenges and threats in the field of international security, as well as to ensure continuous parliamentary cooperation in foreign policy and security matters. “Armenia is open to cooperation in solving global and regional issues based on the principles of equality, mutual respect, and consideration of interests,” highlighted Harshakyan.