On 17 December 2025, a working meeting was held at the premises of the Central Asian Regional Information and Coordination Centre (CARICC) in Almaty between Mr. Makhmud Khamidov, Director of CARICC, and Mr. Amir Abbas Lotfi Sarabi, Director General Of the Department for Narcotic Drugs Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran, as well as a delegation of the Consulate General of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Almaty, headed by Ms. Sona Ahmadi, Consul General.

During the meeting, the Director of CARICC briefed the Iranian side on the Centre’s ongoing initiatives and development plans aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of practical cooperation in countering illicit drug trafficking. Information was also shared on the outcomes of the Meeting of the Council of National Coordinators of CARICC Member States, held on 5 December 2025 in Samarkand, Republic of Uzbekistan, which addressed issues related to improving CARICC’s operational activities, strengthening its institutional capacity, and approving the CARICC Action Plan (“Roadmap”) for 2026.

The Iranian delegation expressed its readiness to further develop cooperation with CARICC in countering illicit drug trafficking and reaffirmed its interest in strengthening working contacts and coordinating efforts to combat transnational drug-related crime. The delegation emphasized Iran’s commitment to a balanced approach to addressing the drug threat, encompassing not only law enforcement measures but also treatment, rehabilitation and drug use prevention.

The Iranian side also expressed interest in regular participation in CARICC activities, including training courses and capacity-building programmes for law enforcement personnel.

At the conclusion of the meeting, it was noted that the Islamic Republic of Iran currently holds observer status with CARICC, and in this context, prospects for further cooperation were discussed, including the potential future membership of Iran in CARICC.