The upcoming CSTO summit in Bishkek will occur on November 27, 2023. This meeting will convene foreign and defense ministers, as well as security council secretaries from six member states. The Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) is often viewed as a Russian-centric equivalent to NATO, heavily reliant on Moscow’s military support.
Armenia Boycotts CSTO Summit
Significantly, Armenia’s Prime Minister, Nikol Pashinyan, has announced a boycott of the summit. This decision underscores Armenia’s increasing disillusionment with the CSTO. Russian Presidential Aide Yuri Ushakov confirmed that Armenia will not participate in the meeting of the CSTO’s highest governing body, the Collective Security Council. However, Armenia does not oppose the adoption of any bloc-wide documents.
Agenda Highlights
The CSTO summit agenda will include key points such as:
- Formal appointment of the next Secretary General for the term 2026-2029.
- Discussion on member states’ joint positions regarding current security challenges.
- President Vladimir Putin’s address outlining Russia’s priorities during its presidency in 2026.
The Historical Context of the CSTO
Founded on May 15, 1992, during the signing of the Treaty in Tashkent, the CSTO originally included Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Azerbaijan, Belarus, and Georgia joined the bloc in 1993. The treaty came into effect in 1994, emphasizing collective defense under Article 4, which stipulates that an attack on one member is treated as an attack on all. This provision compels military and cooperative responses aligned with Article 51 of the UN Charter.
Shifts in Member Perspectives
Armenia’s perspective on the CSTO has notably diminished following the organization’s inaction during significant conflicts, such as the final phases of the Nagorno-Karabakh crisis. The dissatisfaction also dates back to the border clashes in 2021 and 2022. In contrast, Kazakhstan benefitted from CSTO intervention during its domestic unrest in January 2022, affirming the organization’s relevance in certain contexts.
Leadership Transition
Current Secretary General Imangali Tasmagambetov will conclude his term, paving the way for Taalatbek Masadykov from Kyrgyzstan to take over. Tasmagambetov is expected to deliver a final report on the organization’s activities and security strategies before his departure on January 1, 2024. Masadykov, who previously served as Deputy Secretary General and possesses a rich diplomatic background, is anticipated to assume leadership smoothly.
The future leadership dynamics will raise questions regarding how Masadykov manages Moscow and Minsk’s influences, particularly in terms of CSTO relations with NATO. Tasmagambetov leaves behind a noteworthy legacy, as well as a dilemma for Kazakhstan regarding his future role after his tenure at the CSTO.
