Meeting with U.S. Ambassador

Delegation of the Central Asian Regional Information and Coordination Centre (CARICC) led by Director M. Khamidov met with Ms. Julie M. Stafft, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Kazakhstan, on 11 February 2026 in Astana. Mr. Y. Kurbonov, UNODC International Programme Coordinator, and Ms. Y. Sadowski, Head of the International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) Section at the U.S. Embassy, also joined the talks.

During the meeting parties discussed current state and prospects of international cooperation in combating drug trafficking and strengthening partnership between Central Asian states, international organizations and the United States of America.

CARICC Director M. Khamidov outlined the Centre's main priorities, referring to proposals to develop new areas of activity for CARICC, coordinate joint actions by competent services of member states, strengthen analytical and practical mechanisms for responding to drug threats in the region.

U.S. Ambassador Julie M. Stafft underscored the importance of multilevel cooperation between the United States of America and countries in the region in the areas of security and rule of law. She noted that the United States is committed to expanding cooperation on countering transnational threats, including illicit drug trafficking.

During the talks special attention was paid to the initiative for practical cooperation between CARICC and competent authorities in the United States designed to create a sustainable platform for sharing experience, developing joint programmes and strengthening partnerships in tackling transnational crime. Both sides confirmed their intention to expand this format, including through regular consultations, joint events, and sharing expert resources.

A special topic of discussion was the development of cooperation in response to new challenges of the 21st century, in particular, combating drug trafficking in cyberspace. Participants spoke in favor of intensifying joint efforts to detect and combat the use of digital platforms and cryptographic technologies for distribution of synthetic drugs.

Summing up the meeting, participants reaffirmed their shared determination to expand strategic dialogue and practical cooperation aimed at strengthening regional and international security, boosting effectiveness of efforts to combat illicit drug trafficking in all its forms, and adapting joint approaches to new threats.