The Russian Ministry of Defense announced the inking of the protocol, which envisages amendments to the regional security agreement signed with Belarus in 1997.

In a statement on the protocol signed between Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu and Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin in Minsk, Sergey Shoigu said, “Alliance relations with Belarus gained importance against unprecedented pressure from the West and the war declared against the union states. Belarus has always been our reliable partner and it continues to be.”

Shoigu appreciated Minsk’s stance against the pressure exerted by the USA and its allies against Belarus, as well as Russia.

Shoigu also said that the soldiers of the regional security group are conducting combat coordination activities on the territory of Belarus.

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ECO Leaders Meet in Khankendi for 17th Summit

On Jul 4, 2025

The 17th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) convened in Khankendi, Azerbaijan, with the participation of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and other regional leaders. Hosted by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, the summit brought together heads of state and government from Iran, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Pakistan, and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).

In his speech, President Erdoğan criticized Israel’s regional actions, stating, “We can neither abandon the Palestinian cause nor remain silent as the Netanyahu administration turns our region into a bloodbath.” Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian defended recent Iranian military actions under the UN Charter’s right to self-defense. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said, “Currently, Azerbaijan is building new cities and villages on the lands that Armenia turned into ruins, the Great Return program is being implemented.”

Established in 1985 as a continuation of the earlier RCD platform, the ECO aims to boost regional cooperation among its 10 member states. The summit, held every two years, facilitates joint initiatives across sectors such as trade, transport, energy, and health.

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Russia and Belarus sign protocol amending regional security agreement

ECO Leaders Meet in Khankendi for 17th Summit