Facilitating market development across the CSTO

The Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) is a regional security alliance established in 2002. Its origins lie in the Collective Security Treaty (CST), signed on 15 May 1992, by several post-Soviet states under the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) framework. The original signatories included Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, with Azerbaijan, Belarus, and Georgia joining shortly thereafter. The CST was a response to the geopolitical instability following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, aiming to maintain regional security and stability through collective defence. The treaty, initially set to last five years with the possibility of extension, sought to provide mutual defence and prevent aggression against any member state. On 14 May 2002, the CST was institutionalised as the CSTO, formalizing the alliance and enhancing its capabilities to address both traditional and non-traditional security threats. The founding members of the CSTO were Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Tajikistan. Uzbekistan joined in 2006 but suspended its membership in 2012. The CSTO's primary objective is mutual defence, where an attack against one member state is considered an attack against all, akin to NATO's principle of collective defence. Member states conduct joint military exercises and training to enhance interoperability and preparedness. The CSTO plays a crucial role in maintaining security and stability in the Eurasian region, acting as a counterbalance to other military alliances. Its significance is further enhanced by its involvement in managing critical minerals and supporting the energy transition, which is vital for technological advancements.