Mr. Makhmud Khamidov, Director of the Central Asian Regional Information and Coordination Centre (CARICC), met with Mr. Akan Rakhmetulin, First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, at premises of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Astana on 9 October 2025.

During the meeting CARICC Director thanked Kazakhstan for extensive support of CARICC activities. He outlined proposals to improve CARICC's effectiveness, including optimizing its organizational structure, launching new areas of work (particularly on cyber threats and synthetic drugs), modernizing its information and analytical resources, and initiatives aimed at ensuring financial sustainability and geographic expansion of international cooperation.

Particular attention was paid to the initiative to ensure sustainable funding for CARICC supported by participating countries. In this regard, it is planned to hold a meeting of expert group to align draft budget rules for the Centre. They also discussed preparations for a regular meeting of the Council of National Coordinators of CARICC member states, which is expected to address key organizational and strategic questions regarding the Centre's performance.

First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Mr. A. Rakhmetulin congratulated Mr. Khamidov on his appointment as CARICC Director and wished success in future professional endeavors.

Kazakhstan reaffirmed its readiness to further provide comprehensive support to CARICC initiatives aimed at improving its activities and strengthening regional cooperation in combating drug trafficking.

Following the talks parties agreed to step up joint efforts to improve effectiveness of CARICC's activities and confirmed mutual interest in strengthening practical cooperation between CARICC and competent authorities of the Republic of Kazakhstan.