Lukashenko: Belarus has always been the driving force behind the development of relations in the CSTO
Belarus has always been the locomotive of development of relations in the CSTO. This was stated by the President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, during a meeting with the Secretary General of the Collective Security Treaty Organization, Taalatbek Masadykov, as reported by a BELTA correspondent.
"Belarus has always been the locomotive of development of relations in the CSTO and other structures in our space of the former Soviet Union. Our approaches are absolutely open. We do not obscure anything, we hide nothing. As for the CSTO, I initially proposed a formula for action long ago, when this organization was being established (and even before it). We understand that the central link in this organization is Russia. And everyone must understand well that, for example, in the western direction, the main link of the CSTO is naturally Belarus. And God forbid any conflict in this direction, Russia must always have a core of armed forces here that will join the actions of the Belarusian army to protect our space. In the south, of course, you (referring to Kyrgyzstan, represented by the current CSTO Secretary General. - Note by BELTA) and Kazakhstan will have to make an effort. Absolutely. Because this is the southern direction and, again, Russia will support you. And support, as the military say," said the head of state.
Alexander Lukashenko reminded in this regard of the successful experience of conducting a peacekeeping operation in Kazakhstan in January 2022, in order to prevent the situation in that country from escalating.
"I fully understand that if suddenly there is a conflict in Belarus, then Kyrgyzstan will not be involved with its armed forces 100% and will not get involved. Maybe it is not necessary. But I am confident that there will be political support, and military support to some extent. And vice versa. Therefore, I said that the central link should be the Russian Federation, its armed forces. This is natural," said the President. "Most of our weapons are Soviet-made, produced in the Russian Federation. Our tactics are the same - post-Soviet republics. Therefore, we will have to defend ourselves together. Keeping in mind that the states located in these directions will act on the main directions. This was the philosophy proposed. Life has shown that we will act in this way."
Alexander Lukashenko also cited the cooperation between Belarus and Russia in matters of security and defense, the support provided in this regard.
"I believe that we will act in this regard in the future as well. Although I do not rule out that a situation may arise where we all together shoulder to shoulder with all our armed forces and armaments will defend our space, where our organization should function," the head of state stated.
Alexander Lukashenko noted that now there is a good reason to discuss the existing complex of military-political issues within the framework of the CSTO, taking into account the recently conducted large-scale check of the combat readiness of the Armed Forces of Belarus. "The task was set as in war - how we will act. We did not hide it. The army exists to protect the interests of the state. And we must always be prepared for the worst-case scenario. The best, as the people say, will come by itself," said the President.
He noted the colossal professional and life experience of Taalatbek Masadykov, who previously held various responsible positions, including in international structures, and was the deputy head of the CSTO apparatus. "You know that the Belarusian side unequivocally supported your candidacy. We understand perfectly: you are an experienced person, you know the post-Soviet space, but you also know the West well. I very much hope that ideologically, organizationally, and based on your experience, you are our person who can lead the CSTO apparatus and greatly advise and assist us in the main areas of CSTO activities. You can always count on us," assured Alexander Lukashenko.
For his part, Taalatbek Masadykov thanked for the meeting and the support provided by the Belarusian side upon his appointment as Secretary General of the CSTO. "Meeting with you is very important for me to understand how to build work in the CSTO Secretariat. You rightly noted that there are many complex issues and we need to move together both in foreign policy and in the military component of our countries. There are issues that need to be discussed. These are our foreign policy initiatives, the positions of our states. But I believe that the movement forward must be unequivocal. In this turbulent time, we can only cope with joint efforts," stated the Secretary General of the CSTO.
As a result of the meeting, he told journalists that the President of Belarus had considered a wide range of issues, including the international agenda, the military component of the CSTO, and how to move forward.
BELTA