Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan Security Councils Step Up Cooperation on Terrorism, Cybercrime

The Security Councils of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan held their eighth round of consultations in Shymkent, according to the Akorda press service. The talks were co-chaired by Aida Balayeva, Deputy Chair of Kazakhstan's Security Council, and Viktor Makhmudov, Secretary of the Security Council under the President of Uzbekistan. Representatives of relevant government agencies also attended.

The sides discussed joint efforts against international terrorism, religious extremism, youth radicalization, organized crime, drug trafficking, illegal migration and cybercrime, including threats linked to digital technologies and artificial intelligence. They also addressed sustainable management of transboundary water resources and emergency prevention. Officials highlighted Kazakhstan's proposals to establish an International Water Organization within the UN system and a Regional Center for Forecasting Climate and Man-Made Emergencies.

The round ended with the signing of a cooperation protocol and the creation of a joint expert working group to ensure step-by-step implementation. Delegation leaders then planted trees at Shymkent's Askarov Dendrological Park to mark the continuing partnership.