Belarus president comments on Armenia's absence at CSTO summit Highlights shifting geopolitical dynamics

The absence of Armenia's representative at the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) summit in Astana highlights the current geopolitical situation in the region, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

Speaking at the summit, Lukashenko remarked that Armenia's non-participation reflects broader shifts in regional dynamics and, to some extent, within the organization itself, Caliber.Az reports citing Belarus media.

"Today, I have the honour to be the first to speak, as our Armenian colleagues are not participating in the meeting. This, by the way, characterises the current geopolitical situation in the region and to some extent our organisation," Lukashenko stated.

The Belarusian leader emphasized that the CSTO must evolve into one of the key military and political pillars in Eurasia, playing a central role in shaping the regional security agenda. He noted that the key to resolving current challenges and establishing effective security mechanisms lies within Eurasia, with its rich history of diverse peoples and interwoven cultures.

"In the new paradigm of international relations, the CSTO should become one of the military and political pillars of the emerging security architecture of the Eurasian continent and set the trend for the entire regional security agenda," Lukashenko added.

The comments come after Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated that CSTO activities posed a threat to Armenia's sovereignty, leading to the suspension of the country’s participation in the organization. Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan also indicated during a security forum in Warsaw that Armenia is weighing the risks of potentially withdrawing from the CSTO, though no final decision has been made yet.

By Vafa Guliyeva