Although Armenia's activities are frozen in the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), the country continues to remain its member. CSTO Secretary General Taalatbek Masadykov stated this during a press briefing, referring to the prospects for Armenia's future membership in the CSTO.
According to Masadykov, Armenia’s representatives have not participated in the meetings of the CSTO Collective Security Council, the Council of Foreign Ministers, and the Council of Ministers of Defense since 2023. As the CSTO chief noted, the Armenian side has not been paying the organization's membership fees and has not filled the quota positions in the CSTO Secretariat and the Joint Staff for almost three years.
The CSTO Secretary General added that the organization tried to initiate a meeting with the Armenian side in 2024 to discuss these issues, but received a response that Armenia was not ready for negotiations.
In his opinion, the decision on Armenia's further participation in the CSTO depends on the position of the country's leadership. In this regard, the CSTO chief expressed hope that the Armenian side will reconsider its approach, taking into account the changing international situation.
In August, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan of Armenia had announced that he was in favor of the country's withdrawal from the CSTO. The premier had noted that he would be "very pleased" if the organization itself decided to expel Armenia, as this would free Yerevan from the difficult choice of leaving or remaining in this alliance.