Uzbekistan hosts landmark meeting on regional security cooperation

Today, April 24, Tashkent hosted the first meeting of intelligence chiefs from Central Asian states, as reported by Uzbekistan’s State Security Service. The event brought together high-ranking security officials, including Uzbekistan’s State Security Service Chairman Bahodir Qurbonov, Kyrgyzstan’s National Security Service Head Qamchibek Tashiyev, Kazakhstan’s National Security Committee Chairman Yermek Sagimbayev, Tajikistan’s National Security State Committee Head Saymo’min Yatimov, and Turkmenistan’s intelligence chief.

This gathering was organized under Uzbekistan’s chairmanship at the VII Consultative Meeting of Central Asian Leaders. During the opening session, participants listened to a special address from President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, emphasizing the importance of joint approaches and effective mechanisms to ensure regional security through intelligence cooperation.

Discussions primarily focused on developing a unified approach to assessing modern threats and risks to security in the region. Officials also explored ways to strengthen collaboration among intelligence agencies in tackling challenges such as terrorism, extremism, drug and arms trafficking, transnational crime, and cybersecurity. Participants agreed that deeper intelligence cooperation is essential for maintaining peace and stability across Central Asia.

"The meeting marked a significant step forward in enhancing security collaboration among Central Asian nations. Officials emphasized that regular intelligence meetings will play a key role in safeguarding regional stability and strengthening partnerships," the report states.

Previously, on May 24, 2024, the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) security and intelligence heads convened for their 54th session in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, discussing broader regional security concerns.