Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan

On May 18, Astana hosted the second meeting of the Ministers of Internal Affairs and Public Security in the “Central Asia – China” format. The high-level event brought together representatives of regional countries to discuss strengthening security, ensuring public order, and expanding interstate cooperation in the face of modern global threats.

The heads of delegations were received by Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan. During the meeting, the parties exchanged views on strengthening regional security, enhancing law enforcement cooperation, and jointly countering contemporary threats. The President of Kazakhstan emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts among Central Asian countries and China in maintaining stability, public safety, and the security of citizens.

The main purpose of the meeting was to enhance information exchange mechanisms between law enforcement agencies and to strengthen coordination efforts against transnational criminal organizations. Particular attention was paid to combating illicit drug trafficking, human trafficking, cybercrime, and other forms of international organized crime.

Participants also discussed ways to prevent radicalization and extremist ideologies. In this regard, the importance of implementing effective migration policies and intensifying preventive measures aimed at protecting society from extremist influences was highlighted.

Another important topic on the agenda was cooperation in the field of professional training and advanced education for internal affairs and public security personnel. The parties agreed on the need to improve educational programs, organize joint training sessions, expand specialist exchanges, and introduce modern approaches to personnel development.

During the meeting, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan presented a number of practical initiatives, including:

• strengthening cooperation to effectively identify and eliminate drug trafficking channels, as well as uncover financial flows used by organized criminal groups;
• establishing operational information exchange on underground cryptocurrency platforms, online channels distributing prohibited materials, wanted persons, and emerging fraud schemes;
• appointing liaison officers from each participating agency to ensure effective information exchange on terrorist and extremist organizations, including the spread of radical content on the internet.

The Uzbek side shared its experience in organizing "working groups" for the social reintegration of individuals influenced by radical ideas. Participants were informed about preventive outreach activities aimed at educating and raising awareness of the true humanitarian essence of Islam and preventing religious fanaticism.

Uzbekistan has proposed introducing similar mechanisms in other countries of the region in view of the practical effectiveness of this approach. The initiative received widespread support from participants, and further steps for future collaboration were identified.

Following the meeting, the parties signed the official protocol consolidating their agreements.

The meeting in the “Central Asia – China” format was widely recognized as another significant step toward strengthening regional cooperation in the fields of security, stability, and law enforcement collaboration.