On 4 September 2020, the defence ministers of the SCO, CIS and CSTO countries held a joint meeting in Kubinka, Moscow Region. The event was chaired by Russia.
During his opening remarks, Defence Minister of Russia Sergei Shoigu pointed out that it was the first meeting of this level in the history of the three organisations' international contacts.
The ministers exchanged views on current international and regional security topics, the consolidation of efforts to prevent wars and armed conflicts, as well as the further strengthening of military cooperation under modern-day conditions. They also discussed possible measures of mutual assistance and the creation of capabilities for responding to biological threats. Particular attention was given to the exchange of experience when it comes to dealing with the consequences of the novel coronavirus infection. The ministers agreed to enhance their cooperation in the fight against terrorism. The first joint drills will be held in late September during the Caucasus 2020 command post exercise.
Following the meeting, the defence ministers signed a joint communique that reflects the member states' consolidated approaches to international peace and security.
The event was a major stage in the development of dialogue between the three organisations' defence ministers on the maintenance of peace and stability in Eurasia. Interaction between the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, the Collective Security Treaty Organisation and the Commonwealth of Independent States is an impressive example of multilateral partnership based on mutual respect and advantages.