Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan

A delegation from the Department of Penal Corrections under the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan participated in the 11th meeting of the Council of Heads of Penitentiary Services of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), held in Kazan, Russian Federation.

In accordance with the decision adopted at the 10th meeting of the Council, the 11th meeting was held under the chairmanship of the Head of the Department of Penal Corrections under the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

The meeting was attended by heads of penitentiary services from Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, the Russian Federation, and Tajikistan, as well as representatives of the CIS Executive Committee and the CIS Anti-Terrorism Center.

The participants discussed key areas of cooperation among the penitentiary services of CIS member states, including the study and implementation of best practices, personnel training, rehabilitation and social reintegration of convicts, and the protection of personnel in penitentiary facilities. On these issues, ten decisions were adopted.

In particular, it was noted that from 2027, specialized training will be offered at the Russian Federal Penitentiary Service's higher education institutions for staff of CIS countries' penitentiary services. A discussion was also held regarding the establishment of distance learning opportunities for professional development.

The head of the Republic of Tatarstan, Rustam Nurgalievich Minnikhanov, addressed the meeting and emphasized the importance of joint efforts in combating transnational crimes.

The importance of strengthening cooperation in combating terrorism and extremism was also emphasized. The parties reached an agreement to continue to develop their cooperation with the CIS Anti-Terrorism Center and to improve the effectiveness of activities carried out within the framework of interstate programs.

Following the meeting, it was decided to hold the next meeting of the Council in the Republic of Belarus in 2027.

The delegation also visited Pre-trial Detention Center No. 1 of the Russian Federal Penitentiary Service in the Republic of Tatarstan. A review of the institution's modern infrastructure, its engineering and technical security and surveillance systems, as well as its operational practices, was conducted.

Furthermore, the delegation saw an exhibition of products manufactured within the Russian penitentiary system, including construction materials, furniture, electrical equipment, specialized vehicles, and other items.

By bringing together CIS member states' penitentiary services, such meetings contribute to strengthening cooperation, facilitating the exchange of experience, and improving the penal system with the introduction of modern methods.

Press Service of the Penal Corrections Department under the MIA