CSTO to Select New Secretary-General as Tasmagambetov’s Term Ends

The Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) is preparing to appoint a new Secretary-General as Imangali Tasmagambetov’s term concludes, Orda.kz reports.

Member states will consider candidates for the next three-year term on November 27 in Bishkek, during a joint meeting of foreign ministers, defense ministers, and security council secretaries.

At the meeting, participants will discuss cooperation in combating drugs and illegal migration. At the CSTO Security Council session, they will adopt a declaration outlining the countries' common positions on security issues and announce the priorities that Russia will implement during its chairship in 2026,
 the organization said in a statement.

Tasmagambetov has held a wide range of senior government positions, including prime minister, akim of Astana and Almaty, defense minister, and ambassador to Russia. His appointment as CSTO Secretary-General marked another step in his long career, though not without controversy.

Earlier this year, in an interview with Russian media, he voiced support for Russia’s actions in the war against Ukraine — remarks that sparked concern and criticism in Kazakhstan. Tasmagambetov later clarified that he was not promoting foreign interests and had no intention of dragging Kazakhstan into the conflict.

More recently, Tasmagambetov was added to Ukraine’s “Peacemaker” database, accused of spreading war propaganda and supporting Russian aggression.

Original Author: Dinara Bekbolayeva