CARICC Director Colonel Makhmud Khamidov met with Minister of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Lieutenant General Yerzhan Sadenov during his visit to Astana on 11 October 2025.

At the beginning, CARICC Director thanked the Minister of Internal Affairs for comprehensive support in implementing the Centre's mandate to facilitate and execute counter-narcotics operations and to exchange information on drug situation. He highlighted the role of the Ministry of Internal Affairs as the competent central authority of the Republic of Kazakhstan coordinating cooperation with CARICC at national level.

Mr. Khamidov presented a set of initiatives aimed at improving the Centre's organizational structure and launching new areas of work, including in the field of countering cyber threats and the spread of synthetic drugs, to further enhance the Centre's effectiveness. He also mentioned upgrading information and analytical resources, reinforcing financial stability, and expanding the geography of CARICC's international cooperation.

Minister of Internal Affairs Yerzhan Sadenov highly evaluated the Centre's performance, marking its significant contribution to coordination of counter-narcotics cooperation at regional level, and reaffirmed readiness to extend further support to CARICC initiatives. Kazakhstan side indicated interest in regular participation by the leadership of the Centre in relevant events organized by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

At the end of the meeting, parties agreed to step up practical cooperation in a number of priority areas and confirmed their mutual interest in further strengthening cooperation between CARICC and the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan.