MOSCOW, November 28. /TASS/. Russia and Kazakhstan advocate the joint build-up of potential of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO). This is stated in the declaration adopted by the Presidents of the two countries, Vladimir Putin and Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.
"On the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Collective Security Treaty and the 20th anniversary of the creation of the CSTO, the Russian Federation and the Republic of Kazakhstan, recognizing the key role of the CSTO in ensuring regional security and stability, confirm their focus on the joint build-up of the organization’s potential," the document says.
It also notes that both countries intend to improve the CSTO’s crisis response mechanisms, as well as mechanisms to combat international terrorism, illegal production and trafficking of illegal drugs and its precursors, organized crime and other modern cross-border challenges and threats, develop the CSTO peacekeeping forces, and help expand the range of partnerships within the organization.
The declaration also stresses that Moscow and Astana will not accept any attempts to falsify, rewrite and "denigrate" the common history of the two countries, which is the most important cornerstone for allied relations. The parties are also committed to carefully preserving the historical truth about the Second World War, specifically the decisive role of the multinational people of the Soviet Union in the defeat of Nazi Germany.