Defense Ministers of Central Asian countries meet in Samarkand

Defense ministers of Central Asian countries met in Samarkand to discuss the implementation of joint initiatives in the field of regional security. The Ministry of Defense reported this on October 20.

According to the ministry, Lieutenant General Shukhrat Khollmukhammedov, Minister of Defense of the Republic of Uzbekistan, held bilateral meetings with defense ministers of the Central Asian states. During the talks, the sides discussed expanding military cooperation, improving the joint training system, establishing the exchange of experience and practical knowledge, and implementing joint initiatives in the field of regional security.

It was noted that the main purpose of the meeting was to develop practical cooperation aimed at ensuring peace, unity, and sustainable development in the Central Asian region.

“The discussions, held in a sincere atmosphere, contributed to further strengthening trust and solidarity among the states and laid the groundwork for new steps in ensuring peace and stability in the region,” the statement said.

During the meetings, the parties reached agreements on developing intergovernmental military and military-technical cooperation, enhancing joint efforts in combating international terrorism, ensuring regional security, and strengthening a stable and trustworthy environment of cooperation among the countries.

“Such practical initiatives are a vivid reflection of the peace and unity ideas put forward by our head of state. This friendly dialogue and solidarity among the Central Asian countries not only strengthen regional security but also contribute to advancing common peace, sustainable development, and good-neighborly relations to a new level,” the statement added.

Earlier, it was reported that Samarkand hosted the 21st meeting of the heads of security and intelligence agencies of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). For the first time held in Uzbekistan, the event was attended by the heads of security and intelligence services of Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.