US and Central Asian states agree to jointly protect nuclear facilities

A meeting of foreign ministers in the C5+1 format was held in Samarkand. It was attended by the foreign ministers of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, as well as the US Secretary of State. Details of the meeting were shared by the US Embassy in Kazakhstan.

Participants confirmed their intention to deepen practical cooperation on securing nuclear materials, protecting relevant facilities and developing the peaceful use of atomic energy, based on the treaty on a nuclear-weapon-free zone in Central Asia.

A statement said the parties welcomed long-standing cooperation between the United States and Central Asian countries on nuclear material security, and acknowledged their joint contribution to strengthening expertise and capacity in nuclear safety in the region.

The parties also agreed to respond jointly to new digital threats and intend to develop common approaches to countering cyberattacks and cybercrime. A separate set of agreements covers strengthening borders and combating arms smuggling, drug trafficking and illegal migration. Law enforcement bodies and cultural institutions will also work together to protect archaeological heritage and prevent the illegal export of ancient antiquities.