CSTO Summit in Moscow: Tokayev Calls for Stronger Collective Action Against Terrorism, Drug Trafficking and AI-Era Information Threats

Moscow, The Gulf Observer: Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev took part in the regular meeting of the Collective Security Council of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), held in Moscow, Russia, Akorda reported. At the CSTO summit, the Kazakh leader called for stronger joint efforts against international terrorism, illicit drug trafficking and emerging information security threats linked to artificial intelligence.

Alongside President Tokayev, the summit was attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov, Tajik President Emomali Rahmon and CSTO Secretary General Taalatbek Masadykov.

CSTO Summit Reviews 2026 Performance and Sets Future Priorities

The heads of state discussed key aspects of cooperation within the Organization, reviewed its performance in 2026 and outlined its main priorities for the period ahead. The leaders also exchanged views on pressing issues of international and regional security, at a time when the wider Eurasian region continues to face complex and evolving challenges.

The Collective Security Council is the CSTO’s highest body, bringing together the heads of member states to set the strategic direction of the Organization. The CSTO traces its roots to the Collective Security Treaty signed in Tashkent in 1992 and was formally established as an international organization in 2002, with a mandate centred on collective defence and coordinated responses to security threats.

Tokayev Praises Russia’s Chairmanship

During the meeting, President Tokayev thanked President Vladimir Putin for the warm welcome extended to the delegations and commended Russia’s productive chairmanship of the CSTO over the past year.

Call for Joint Efforts on Terrorism, Drugs and Information Security

In his address, the Kazakh President underlined the need to strengthen collective efforts in several key areas. He highlighted the fight against international terrorism and the importance of countering illicit drug trafficking, both long-standing concerns for Central Asia and the broader CSTO space.

President Tokayev also drew attention to information security, stressing that the growing influence of artificial intelligence technologies requires member states to work more closely together to protect their information space and respond to new forms of risk. His remarks reflect Kazakhstan’s consistent emphasis on adapting regional security cooperation to the realities of rapid technological change.

Tajikistan to Assume CSTO Chairmanship

Concluding his remarks, President Tokayev congratulated Tajik President Emomali Rahmon on Tajikistan’s upcoming chairmanship of the CSTO and wished him success in carrying out this important responsibility.

The transition of the chairmanship to Dushanbe is expected to shape the Organization’s agenda in the coming year, with member states continuing to focus on regional stability, border security and coordinated responses to transnational threats.