Central Asia is facing external pressure - the Secretary of the Security Council of Uzbekistan

Viktor Mahmudov, the Secretary of the Security Council under the President of Uzbekistan, addressed the issue of external pressure on Central Asian nations at the XII international meeting on security issues in St. Petersburg today, April 25.

Uzbekistan prioritizes the Central Asian region in its foreign policy and actively works towards fostering peace, security, and trust there. However, Mahmudov expressed concern that external forces are imposing pressure on the region, disregarding national interests.

During the XII international meeting on security issues, the Security Council secretaries of CIS member states discussed joint counterterrorism efforts, with particular focus on the post-Soviet region. Nikolai Patrushev, Secretary of the Security Council of Russia, chaired the event.

The discussions included topics such as combating terrorism, preserving historical memory, and countering the resurgence of Nazism and aggressive nationalism.

David Cameron is currently traveling through Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, and Mongolia to address trade, security, and environmental cooperation. His aim is to support the hard-won independence of Central Asian countries. Additionally, he plans to announce increased funding for Chevening scholarships, supporting study at British universities, and £50 million in development spending across the region over the next three years.

David Cameron's recent diplomatic visits include Tajikistan, where he met President Emomali Rahmon, and Kyrgyzstan, where he engaged with President Sadir Japarov. In Uzbekistan, he held discussions with Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov, resulting in the signing of the Declaration on Comprehensive Partnership and the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Regional and International Relations and Infrastructure. He also met with Tanzila Norboyeva, Chairperson of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis, to discuss expanding political-diplomatic dialogue and strengthening trade, economic, cultural, and parliamentary relations. Notably, Cameron was absent from President Shavkat Mirziyoyev's reception due to a short-term work leave starting April 22. In Kazakhstan, Cameron met with President Qosim-Jomart Toqayev, and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu, and signed a strategic partnership and cooperation agreement between the two countries.