CARICC delegation held a series of talks during the Samarkand International Anti-Drug Forum

A number of negotiations were held with representatives of international organizations, heads of foreign delegations, and leadership of relevant authorities of CARICC participating countries and partners within the framework of the CARICC delegation’s participation in the International Anti-Drug Forum held on 20–21 April 2026 in Samarkand.

During a discussion with Mr. Nurlan Yermekbayev, Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, parties discussed ways to strengthen regional cooperation, exchange intelligence, and coordinate efforts of states in combating transnational drug trafficking.

Talks with Mr. Bo Mathiesen, Acting Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and Mr. Oliver Stolpe, UNODC Regional Representative for Central Asia, Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan, discussed prospects for further developing partnership, implementing joint projects and initiatives aimed at countering trafficking in new psychoactive substances, and building capacity of national competent authorities.

A high-level exchange of views took place with ministers of interior of Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Georgia; the first deputy interior minister of Azerbaijan; the deputy interior minister of Turkmenistan; and leadership of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the State Security Service of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

Throughout the talks parties shared their perspectives on enhancing interagency and international cooperation, stepping up the fight against drug trafficking, and exploring opportunities for joint operations and training activities.

Special attention was given to cooperation with international law enforcement agencies. In particular, a meeting was held with Mr. Oğuz Serkant Akin, Director General of the Southeast European Law Enforcement Center, and Mr. Antonio Lo Parco, Director of the Regional Office for Capacity Building for the World Customs Organization European Region, to discuss mechanisms for rapid data exchange, coordination of cross-border operations, and enhancing effectiveness of joint actions.

Promising areas for cooperation between CARICC and relevant Chinese authorities were discussed during talks with Mr. Wang Zhigang, Deputy Secretary-General of the National Narcotics Control Commission of the People’s Republic of China.

In addition, an exchange of views took place with delegations from Afghanistan, Türkiye, and Italy, during which current challenges in the field of illicit drug trafficking were reviewed, including drug trafficking routes and countermeasures. 

Discussions confirmed high level of trust between the parties and their shared interest in further strengthening cooperation to promote regional security and counter modern drug threats.