Armenia will not participate in the upcoming Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) summit scheduled for November 27 in Bishkek. The decision marks a notable shift in the country’s engagement with the regional security alliance, which includes several former Soviet states.
In February 2024, Armenia announced it was freezing its CSTO membership and subsequently decided not to pay its membership dues. The move comes amid ongoing tensions and disagreements over security concerns and the organization’s effectiveness. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has publicly expressed skepticism about the CSTO’s role, stating that the alliance poses certain challenges, although he has not detailed specific criticisms.
The decision to withdraw from active participation reflects Armenia’s attempt to recalibrate its foreign and security policies amid regional tensions. The country’s stance may influence the dynamics within the CSTO and regional security arrangements, particularly in the context of ongoing conflicts in the South Caucasus.
As Armenia opts out of the upcoming summit, international observers will be watching for potential ripple effects on the collective security framework and Armenia’s future relations with other member states of the CSTO.