Central Asia, China Strengthen Security Cooperation

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Ministers of internal affairs and public security from Central Asian countries and China met in Beijing to discuss expanding cooperation in combating transnational crime and applying modern technologies to security efforts, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Uzbekistan said.

Uzbekistan was represented at the meeting by Interior Minister Lieutenant General Aziz Tashpulatov.

Participants identified cooperation between law enforcement agencies as an important area for further developing relations between Central Asian countries and China. According to Uzbekistan’s Interior Ministry, regular political dialogue between the states creates conditions for strengthening mutual trust and developing practical cooperation, including in law and order and security.

Particular attention was paid to cross-border threats, including terrorism and extremism, organized crime, drug trafficking, human trafficking and cybercrime. The Interior Ministry noted that countering such threats requires the rapid exchange of information and coordinated action by law enforcement agencies in different countries.

The sides also discussed crimes committed in cyberspace. According to the statement, in such cases the organizer of a crime, the perpetrator and the victim may be located in different countries, increasing the importance of international cooperation between law enforcement agencies.

During the meeting, the sides exchanged experience in the relevant areas and discussed expanding practical cooperation and opportunities to use modern technologies to enhance security.

A training facility for law enforcement officers from Central Asian countries and China was also opened as part of the event. It is intended to serve as a platform for professional training, experience sharing and the development of practical skills among specialists.

Particular importance in the training will be given to cooperation in combating transnational and cybercrime, as well as other modern threats. Uzbekistan’s Interior Ministry said joint training of specialists at a single facility would enable them to exchange experience directly and develop more coordinated approaches to ensuring security.

During the meeting, Chinese Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong presented Uzbekistan’s Interior Minister Aziz Tashpulatov with a commemorative “Great Wall” badge. Uzbekistan’s Interior Ministry said the badge symbolized the consistent development of bilateral relations and interagency cooperation.

Following the meeting, the sides highlighted the importance of China’s experience in maintaining public security and introducing digital technologies into the work of law enforcement agencies. The exchange of practices between Central Asian countries and China is expected to contribute to more effective efforts against emerging forms of crime.