Russia's Lavrov identifies Central Asia, Afghanistan as CSTO's central concerns

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has identified security dynamics in Central Asia and developments in Afghanistan as the paramount challenges facing the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO). Speaking at a meeting with CSTO Secretary-General Taalatbek Masadykov in Moscow on Monday, Lavrov described these issues as "central" to the regional military alliance's agenda.

Focus on Regional Security and Alliance Coordination

The CSTO, comprising Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, operates on a mutual defense principle similar to NATO. Lavrov praised Masadykov as a leading expert on Central Asian security, stating his expertise would enhance the coordination and "effectiveness of all allied actions." The meeting held "practical significance," according to Lavrov, as Russia currently holds the rotating chairmanship of the CSTO's Collective Security Council.

Context of Afghan Instability and Organizational Reform

Lavrov's comments reflect persistent regional anxieties about spillover effects from Afghanistan, where the Taliban returned to power in 2021 following the US withdrawal. The country remains mired in humanitarian and economic crises, posing security and cross-border risks to neighboring states. During the discussions, Lavrov also referenced ongoing internal reforms aimed at improving the CSTO Secretariat and the broader allied format, indicating an effort to bolster the organization's operational capacity.

Geopolitical Implications for the Region

The emphasis on Central Asia and Afghanistan underscores Russia's continued view of the region as a vital sphere of influence and a security priority. For other regional actors with interests in Central Asian stability, such as Türkiye—which pursues its own cooperative partnerships in the region through the Organization of Turkic States—the CSTO's focus highlights the complex, multi-layered security architecture in Eurasia where major powers and regional blocs navigate overlapping interests.