CSTO Security Meeting in Moscow to Focus on Afghanistan

A meeting of the Collective Security Treaty Organization is being held in Moscow today and tomorrow, with the security fallout from developments in Afghanistan for Central Asia set to be the main focus.

The meeting is taking place under Russia’s chairmanship of the bloc and will bring together senior officials from member states, experts and representatives of regional organizations. Russia’s foreign minister is also due to address the summit.

The activities of terrorist groups and drug trafficking networks have been cited among the factors increasing concern over regional security. Some observers say Central Asia is more exposed than before to the consequences of instability in Afghanistan, and that countering these threats requires coordination among regional institutions.

Alongside Afghanistan, energy security, food security and information security are also on the agenda. Participants will also review a roadmap for trilateral cooperation among the Collective Security Treaty Organization, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the Commonwealth of Independent States.

The summit comes as Russia holds the rotating chairmanship of the Collective Security Treaty Organization and seeks to strengthen cooperation among regional organizations in managing security crises, a process that could shape future security relations in Central Asia.