As part of visit to Ashgabat CARICC Director Colonel Makhmud Khamidov met with Lieutenant Colonel Ovezgeldy Kakalyev, Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs of Turkmenistan.

Opening the meeting CARICC Director expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Turkmenistan for rendering support to CARICC activities, including in the field of anti-drug measures.

During the talks Mr. Khamidov presented a number of initiatives aimed at further improving the Centre's effectiveness, including upgrading its organizational structure and developing new areas of activity to counter cyber threats and the spread of synthetic drugs.

Modernization of information and analytical resources, strengthening financial stability, and expanding international cooperation of CARICC were also covered.

Mr. Ovezgeldy Kakalyev expressed readiness to support CARICC proposals.

Mutual interest in further developing and strengthening cooperation was highlighted during the meeting, and readiness to provide comprehensive support for initiatives aimed at improving and intensifying CARICC activities was confirmed.

Following the meeting, the parties agreed to step up practical cooperation in a number of priority areas and confirmed reciprocal commitment to further strengthening collaboration between CARICC and the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Turkmenistan.