MINSK, November 28. /TASS/. Minsk is deeply concerned about the increased activities of NATO member countries along the western borders of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) and the strengthening of the offensive capabilities of the alliance near the borders of Belarus, said the republic’s Foreign Minister Maxim Ryzhenkov in Astana. a joint meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers, the Council of Defense Ministers and the Committee of Secretaries of the CSTO Security Council, the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported.

Ryzhekov highlighted “an unprecedented rise in regional and global tensions, the escalation of armed conflicts and the militarization of international relations.” He expressed concern about “intensified NATO activity on the CSTO’s western borders and the expansion of the alliance’s offensive capabilities near Belarus.”

The foreign minister called for more intense efforts to defuse tensions and foster dialogue to establish an equal and indivisible security architecture in Eurasia while building a new multipolar world order. He referred to the Second Minsk International Conference on Eurasian Security, held from October 31 to November 1, 2024, during which these issues were discussed.

Ryzhenkov emphasized the vital role of the CSTO in “strengthening security and stability in the Eurasian region and ensuring the security of its member states.” He stressed the need for coordinated efforts within the CSTO to effectively respond to modern security challenges and threats.

Belarus was also represented at the event by State Secretary of the Security Council Alexander Volfovich and Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin.