Belarus decries NATO's increased activity at CSTO's western borders

Minsk has expressed concerns over the growing activity of NATO member states along the western borders of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), particularly the alliance’s increasing offensive capabilities near Belarus’s borders.

This was stated by Belarusian Foreign Minister Maxim Ryzhenkov during a joint session of the CSTO Foreign Ministers' Council, the Defence Ministers' Council, and the Committee of Secretaries of Security Councils in Astana, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

Ryzhankov highlighted the "unprecedented rise in tension" both in the region and globally, with escalating armed conflicts and the militarization of international relations.

He expressed concern over the "intensification of NATO member states’ activities at the western periphery of the CSTO and the growing offensive potential of the alliance near Belarus’s borders." 

The Belarusian foreign minister called for "intensified efforts to de-escalate tensions and to deepen a substantive dialogue on building a framework of equal and indivisible security across Eurasia as part of the formation of a new multipolar world order."

He also referred to the recent second Minsk International Conference on Eurasian Security, held from October 31 to November 1, 2024, where discussions on these issues took place.

Ryzhankov underscored the significant role of the CSTO "in strengthening security and stability in the Eurasian space, as well as in ensuring the safety of its member states."

He stressed the importance of joint solidarity within the CSTO framework to effectively counter modern security challenges and threats.

The Belarusian delegation at the event also included the State Secretary of the Security Council, Alexander Wolfovich, and the Defence Minister, Viktor Khrenin.

By Aghakazim Guliyev