CSTO Chief Does Not Rule Out Future Expansion of Organization

The head of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) General Lieutenant Anatoly Sidorov does not rule out the possibility of the organization expanding in the future and adding to its list of observers.

“In principle, we are ready to accept partners and observers from Latin America, Africa, and other continents. A week ago, could we clearly say what the composition of BRICS would be? Personally, I couldn't. The heads of states have made the decision, and the composition of BRICS has increased by six countries. The same could happen with the CSTO,” he said during a briefing.

Previously, Sidorov announced that representatives from China, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Mongolia will have observer status at the ‘Battle Brotherhood-2023’ exercises starting on September 1 in Belarus.

The CSTO comprises Armenia, Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan.