CSTO Foreign Ministers Call for Prevention of Space Arms Race

The foreign ministers of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) member states on Wednesday called for urgent action to prevent an arms race in outer space. A joint statement adopted by the ministers urged all countries, especially those with significant space capabilities, to promptly take measures to prevent the placement of weapons in outer space and the use or threat of force in space-related activities. The ministers also called for the swift conclusion, through negotiations, of a legally binding multilateral agreement subject to effective verification mechanisms and aimed at preventing the weaponisation of outer space. They reaffirmed their commitment to the principle enshrined in the United Nations Charter of refraining from the threat or use of force in international relations, including in activities related to outer space. In the statement, the ministers voiced serious concern over the potential for an arms race in outer space and the risk of that domain becoming an arena for military confrontation. They also stressed that all of humanity has a common interest in the exploration and use of outer space for peaceful purposes. The joint statement was signed by the foreign ministers of Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Tajikistan.