Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan participated in the session of the Collective Security Council of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.

In his speech, the Prime Minister noted that Armenia intends to continue its contribution further enhancing the CSTO's effectiveness and strengthening its international reputation. Pashinyan underlined that he sees considerable potential for development of cooperation between member states, and expressed the opinion that one of the modern directions is the development of cooperation in high tech.

"I am happy to say that we were able to come to an agreement on the appointment of a new [CSTO] Secretary General," Nikol Pashinyan said. "I am confident that Stanislav Zas’ experience will be important in this responsible position."

Afterwards, the Prime Minister referred to the security situation in Armenia and the whole region, and spoke about the process of settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

The head of the Armenian government expressed conviction that the bellicose aspirations are absolutely unpromising and there is no alternative to peaceful negotiations and peaceful resolution of the problem. Besides, Nikol Pashinyan noted that the position of the Azerbaijani leadership is dangerous not only for the security of the South Caucasus, but also for the security of the CSTO countries. "Being in a state of war, Azerbaijan can become a convenient ‘springboard’ for Islamic extremists," the prime minister said, in particular.

At the same time, Nikol Pashinyan noted that the CSTO has the necessary measures to prevent a new escalation of tension around Nagorno-Karabakh. According to the Prime Minister, in order to prevent such possible escalation, the CSTO countries should leave unanswered the requests for new weapons from Azerbaijan. "We are sincere in our pursuit of peace and are ready for a constructive dialogue - based on the concept I have presented - on the peaceful settlement of the conflict," Nikol Pashinyan said. "We will continue negotiations within the framework of the only internationally accepted format of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs."

The Armenian Prime Minister also touched upon the situation in Syria, and attached importance to the strengthening of peace and stability in the country. "Armenia condemned Turkey's recent military invasion of northeastern Syria, which poses a direct threat to the Armenian population living there," he said. “We were all shocked at the brutal killing of the pastor of the Armenian Catholic Church in Qamishli town in Deir ez-Zor governorate of Syria, and of his father.

Armenia supports the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Syria. We will continue to provide all possible humanitarian assistance to the friendly Syrian people."

According to Nikol Pashinyan, it is more important than ever for the CSTO allies to unite forces in the face of emerging challenges. "The mutual commitments undertaken within the framework of the CSTO must be unquestionably respected," the prime minister said. "And relations between member states should be of primary importance."

The head of the Armenian government also wished success to Russia's chairmanship in the organization, and emphasized that Armenia supports the realization of priorities within the chairmanship.

A number of documents were adopted at the summit.

The participants also discussed several other issues.