Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan

On September 10, the third meeting of the Ministers of Internal Affairs of the member states of the Organization of Turkic States was held in Astana.

Delegations from the Ministries of Internal Affairs of Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Turkey, as well as representatives of relevant international and regional organizations, attended the event.

The heads of the delegations were welcomed by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

During the meeting, the importance of further strengthening practical cooperation among the Turkic states in ensuring security and stability in today’s complex geopolitical environment, as well as taking effective measures against modern threats and challenges, was highlighted.

The President of Kazakhstan noted the consistent development of cooperation among the Ministries of Internal Affairs within the framework of the Organization of Turkic States and emphasized the need to strengthen coordination and common approaches to combat transnational crime.

In addition, the importance of expanding the exchange of experience and timely information between law enforcement agencies, utilizing modern technology effectively, and enhancing cooperation in the field of security through new practical initiatives was highly emphasized.

Following the meeting with the President of Kazakhstan, the third meeting of the Ministers of Internal Affairs of the Organization of Turkic States officially began.

A particular emphasis was placed on enhancing cooperation in the search for persons wanted in connection with criminal prosecutions and missing citizens. The importance of enhancing information exchange between the internal affairs agencies of the participating states, coordinating search activities, and improving the effectiveness of identifying and locating such individuals was emphasized.

The meeting also discussed ways to combat crimes committed through the use of information and communication technologies. Participants emphasized the necessity of identifying and responding promptly to crimes committed in the digital environment as well as improving mechanisms for the timely exchange of relevant information between countries. Developing clear and effective mechanisms for cooperation in the fight against illegal betting and gambling was also emphasized.

Another priority on the agenda was the fight against extremism, terrorism, and transnational organized crime. Considering the cross-border nature of these threats, participants discussed the need for quick information exchange, coordination of joint measures, and enhanced practical cooperation among internal affairs authorities.

In addition, participants discussed the prevention of human trafficking and migrant smuggling as well as suppressing these crimes. An emphasis was placed on improving the exchange of information in order to combat irregular migration, to eliminate factors contributing to its spread, and to establish coordinated measures among law enforcement agencies.

An important initiative discussed at the meeting was the establishment of a Council for Combating Crime among member and observer states of the Organization of Turkic States. In this regard, relevant proposals were made regarding the preparation of a draft agreement to establish this body and the submission of it for signing at the next meeting of the Ministers of Internal Affairs of the Organization of Turkic States.

These initiatives were noted as a contribution to strengthening institutional cooperation among the Turkic states in the fields of security and law enforcement, as well as expanding opportunities for joint and systematic responses to common threats.

Following the meeting, the Joint Communiqué of the Third Meeting of the Ministers of Internal Affairs of the Member States of the Organization of Turkic States was signed. The document is aimed at consolidating the agreements reached and ensuring their practical implementation.

After the meeting, the participating countries agreed to further strengthen multifaceted cooperation and coordinate efforts to ensure peace and stability in the region.