Putin to visit Kyrgyzstan for CSTO summit

Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit Kyrgyzstan on 27 November to attend the summit of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO).

The main purpose of the visit is to participate in the organisation’s meeting and discuss measures to ensure the security of the southern borders of the post-Soviet space, where Russia maintains a significant military and political presence.

The Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) is a military alliance of six post-Soviet states: Russia, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Belarus. 

Central Asia remains strategically important due to the situation in Afghanistan, which continues to pose a source of instability for neighbouring countries.

Russia maintains a military presence through bases in Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. In Tajikistan, the 201st military base operates with motorised rifle, tank, and artillery units.

While in Kyrgyzstan, the Kant airbase hosts Su-25SM aircraft and Mi-8MTV helicopters, providing a continuous operational presence for Russian forces in the region.

In addition to security matters, the visit will cover economic and technological cooperation. Key topics include the involvement of the Russian company Rosatom in the construction of a nuclear power plant, increased deliveries of fuel and lubricants, and the regulation of labour migration, which remains significant for the Russian economy despite stricter migration legislation.

The summit will also address organisational issues. Kyrgyzstan is putting forward a candidate for the post of CSTO Secretary-General as part of the rotation of leadership, providing an opportunity for member states to align positions on security and regional cooperation.

Overall, the visit combines military, political, and economic aspects. The CSTO summit will provide a forum for discussing coordinated approaches to maintaining stability and facilitating cooperation among Central Asian states.

Established in 2002 for the purpose of collective defence, the CSTO offers protection to members from threats to their security, territory, or sovereignty.

Headquartered in Moscow, the organization is often positioned as the Eurasian equivalent of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). 

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