Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan have held their eighth round of consultations between the offices of their Security Councils in Shymkent, focusing on bilateral security cooperation and emerging regional threats.
The talks were 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 from both countries took part in the consultations. The discussions focused on cooperation in countering international terrorism and religious extremism, preventing youth radicalisation, and combating organised crime, drug trafficking, illegal migration and cybercrime.
Participants also addressed emerging risks associated with the development of digital technologies and artificial intelligence.
Water and environmental security were another key area of discussion. The two sides considered the rational use of transboundary water resources and measures to prevent emergencies.
In this context, the participants highlighted the importance of initiatives proposed by the President of Kazakhstan to establish an International Water Organisation within the United Nations system and a Regional Centre for Forecasting Emergency Climate-Related and Technological Situations.
Following the meeting, Balayeva and Makhmudov signed a protocol. The two sides also agreed to establish a joint expert group responsible for ensuring its consistent implementation.
Consultations between the offices of the two countries' Security Councils are held regularly in accordance with an approved cooperation plan.
As part of the visit, the heads of the delegations also planted trees at the A. Askarov Dendrological Park in Shymkent, highlighting the importance of friendship and long-term partnership between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.
