Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 30 November (BelTA) – Belarus’ CSTO presidency goals have been achieved, Belarus’ Minister of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Makei told the media on 30 November, BelTA has learned.

The preliminary results of Belarus' presidency in the Collective Security Treaty Organization were summed up during the joint meeting of the Foreign Ministers Council, the Defense Ministers Council and the Committee of Secretaries of Security Councils of the CSTO member states. “Everyone agreed that the priorities the Belarusian presidency outlined were achieved in general,” Vladimir Makei said.

He recalled that Belarus was in favor of greater representation of the CSTO in the international arena. In this context, a number of meetings and contacts were undertaken, joint activities were conducted in the UN and the OSCE. According to the minister, these activities will be continued during Kazakhstan's CSTO chairmanship in 2018.

Creating the institute of partnership is aimed at strengthening the influence and authority of the CSTO. This also was among the priorities of the Belarusian Presidency. Vladimir Makei explained that thanks to this institute the CSTO countries will be able to work more actively with other states and regional organizations. The head of the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs informed that the draft document is ready. “Its consideration is at the final stage, requiring some internal procedures in individual countries. I am confident that we will finalize it next year,” Vladimir Makei said.