Ensuring stability amidst the transformation of global trade chains, protecting the digital space from the destructive influence of artificial intelligence, and consolidating efforts against transnational crime were the key themes of the meeting between President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and the ministers of internal affairs and public security from Central Asian countries and China.
The meeting took place in Astana as part of the second ministerial conference of the six-party format’s relevant agencies. The meeting at the Akorda residence was attended by the Minister of Public Security of the People’s Republic of China Wang Xiaohong, the Minister of Internal Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic Ulan Niyazbekov, the Minister of Internal Affairs of Tajikistan Ramazon Rahimzoda, the Minister of Internal Affairs of Turkmenistan Muhammet Hydyrov, and the Minister of Internal Affairs of Uzbekistan Aziz Tashpulatov.
Opening the meeting, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized that Central Asia, being located at the crossroads of important transport and trade routes, objectively remains in the zone of increased attention from transnational criminal networks.
“In this regard, the issues of countering transnational organized crime, drug trafficking, and human trafficking become particularly acute. I am convinced that only through joint efforts, information exchange, strengthening institutional interaction, and implementing modern technologies will we be able to effectively counter these threats,” Tokayev said.
He called for more active suppression of the spread of extremist ideas, recruitment into terrorist groups via the Internet, and the identification of preparations for terrorist acts at distant approaches.
A special emphasis in the remarks was placed on the risks associated with the total digitalization of society and the economy. The President stated that artificial intelligence in the hands of destructive elements turns into an information weapon, and a very powerful one in terms of its destructive consequences. Illegal content is being churned out on an assembly-line scale.
The President of Kazakhstan noted that strengthening and developing economic cooperation among the countries of the region, as well as the implementation of joint infrastructure projects, are closely linked to security issues.
“The Trans-Caspian International Transport Route is becoming a strategic element of Eurasian logistics. […] Meanwhile, the increase in cargo flows entails certain risks. This refers to transnational crime: the transportation of contraband, drugs, and weapons,” Kassym-Jomart Tokayev stated.
He pointed out the need to realize the existing potential of the “Central Asia – China” format to build an effective regional security system.
Tokayev urged the ministries of internal affairs to “strengthen cooperation with each other, share information with one another on the most sensitive issues relating to security and public order.”
At the conclusion of the meeting, the heads of the delegations confirmed their full readiness to intensify practical cooperation. The parties reaffirmed their intention to strengthen the exchange of operational information, develop professional contacts, and implement modern technologies into the activities of law enforcement agencies. /// nCa, 19 May 2026