Kyrgyzstan Pushes for Permanent CSTO Cybersecurity Platform

Kyrgyzstan has proposed the institutionalization of an annual cybersecurity forum under the framework of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), following the success of the first international conference held last month.

The proposal was announced by Baktybek Bekbolotov, Secretary of the Security Council of the Kyrgyz Republic, The Caspian Post reports, citing Kyrgyz media.

He suggested that the forum could either be hosted annually in Kyrgyzstan or rotate among CSTO member states in accordance with their chairmanship.

“We hope to see this initiative develop into a regular platform with an evolving agenda and actionable outcomes,” Bekbolotov said. “To make it memorable and consistent, I propose naming it the ‘Issyk-Kul Cyber Initiative.’”

The inaugural CSTO Cybersecurity Conference, held on June 19, 2025, in the lakeside city of Cholpon-Ata, brought together around 150 participants, including senior officials from law enforcement, national cybersecurity institutions, IT specialists, and private sector representatives from CSTO member states.

Bekbolotov hailed the event as a major step forward in enhancing regional cooperation in cybersecurity, emphasizing the importance of knowledge exchange and strategic dialogue.

“It was a valuable opportunity to hear each other, identify shared challenges, and chart practical paths for cooperation,” he added.