CARICC took part in an international conference on security challenges in Central Asia and Afghanistan

CARICC delegation attended a conference organized by the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) on security in Central Asia and Afghanistan.

Mr. Sergey Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, addressed plenary session. In his speech, Head of Russian diplomacy called for consolidation of efforts by all Eurasian countries and integration bodies (CSTO, CIS, SCO, EAEU) to combat drug trafficking based on the principle of “regional challenges – regional solutions,” without confrontation or external interference.

Secretaries-General of the CSTO and the CIS, along with other high-ranking representatives of relevant organizations underscored how important it is to strengthen regional cooperation, coordinate efforts and pull together capacity of active international mechanisms to counter modern security threats.

During panel discussions leaders and experts from relevant ministries, agencies and international organizations discussed current challenges and threats to regional security as well as ways to strengthen cooperation among stakeholders. Attention was focused on the Afghan factor, including necessary development of practical cooperation with Afghanistan under regional security mechanisms.

CARICC Director highlighted emerging trends in the regional drug situation and outlined areas for further development of international cooperation in combating illicit drug trafficking. 

Special attention was paid to prospects for strengthening cooperation within the CIS–CSTO–SCO–CARICC–EAG framework aimed at integrating expertise, enhancing exchange of information and analysis, and streamlining joint efforts to tackle transnational threats.

Separately, mention was made of the need to develop CARICC initiative to set up an interstate early-warning system for drug threats using artificial intelligence, which will enable timely identification of new threats and boost effectiveness of information sharing among competent authorities. They stressed the need to involve Afghanistan in regional cooperation processes, particularly in the areas of countering drug trafficking, information exchange and specialist training.

CARICC participation in the conference contributed to promotion of joint initiatives aimed at strengthening interregional cooperation and enhancing effectiveness of regional and international platforms in combating illicit drug trafficking.