MINSK, November 20. /TASS/. Member states of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), a post-Soviet security bloc, can effectively counter modern threats and risks, the list of which continues to grow, only if they stay united, says Pavel Muraveyko, Head of the Belarusian General Staff and First Deputy Defense Minister of Belarus.

"The processes happening around the world indicate that the spectrum of traditional risks and challenges to the military security of CSTO member states is expanding. […] These days, it is clear that we can only counter modern risks, challenges, and threats together. The presence of allies and friendly partner states is just as important for ensuring national military security as the availability of weapons, resources, and production capabilities," he said during the international military scientific conference titled "Applied Aspects of Scientific Work in Defense and Security of CSTO Member States," according to the Belarusian Defense Ministry’s Telegram channel.

According to Muraveyko, analyzing the situation in the Eastern European collective security region, Belarus clearly associates its security with building and maintaining coalition, partnership, and friendly relations with states whose cooperation aligns with common interests.

"Only the strong are respected in the modern world. Together, we can influence the development of the situation in our regions," the Head of the General Staff emphasized.