Kazakhstan, Russia reaffirm intention to boost CSTO potential - statement

ASTANA. Nov 9 (Interfax) - Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Russian President Vladimir Putin have stressed the key role of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) in providing regional stability.

"In light of the presidency of this organization by the Republic of Kazakhstan in 2024, [we] reaffirm the intention to jointly increase the potential of the CSTO; to perfect within this Organization the mechanisms for crisis response, countering international terrorism, illegal manufacture and distribution of narcotics, organized crime and other cross-border challenges and threats; to develop peacekeeping forces; [and] to foster broader ties with interested states and international organizations," the two presidents said in a joint statement adopted after their talks in Astana on Thursday marking the 10th anniversary of signing the Agreement on Good Neighborly Relations and Alliance in the 21st century.

The CSTO's working groups and auxiliary bodies, including the Coordination Council on biological security issues, are very sought-after, the document said.