On October 10, 2025, as part of the visit of CARIC Director Colonel Mahmud Khamidov to Astana, a meeting was held with the Chairman of the Committee on Legal Statistics and Special Records of the General Prosecutor's Office of the Republic of Kazakhstan, State Counselor of Justice 3rd Class Sabit Nurlybaev.

During the meeting, representatives of the Committee gave a presentation on the implementation of digital solutions and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in analytical activities, including within the framework of the Operational Analysis Center (“target center”). Particular attention was paid to the use of AI for the early detection of new types of drugs, online resources related to their illegal trafficking, and the prediction of crime risks based on digital data.

The parties discussed prospects for deepening cooperation, including the signing of a memorandum and the approval of a roadmap for further cooperation on issues of mutual interest. An agreement was also reached to launch a joint initiative to introduce a regional early warning system for threats related to illicit drug trafficking, with the possibility of scaling it up in CARICOM member states.

The meeting took place in an atmosphere of constructive dialogue, confirming mutual interest in strengthening practical cooperation in the field of analytical work and digital transformation of anti-drug activities.

On October 10, 2025, as part of the visit of the Director of the CARICC, Colonel Khamidov Mahmud Tolibovich, to Astana, a meeting was held with the Deputy Prosecutor General of the Republic of Kazakhstan, State Counselor of the 3rd class, Koygeldiev Galymzhan Mambetovich.

During the meeting, the Director of CARICC expressed his gratitude to the General Prosecutor's Office of the Republic of Kazakhstan for its assistance in the implementation of international anti-drug operations carried out using the controlled delivery method, including through the effective use of mutual legal assistance mechanisms.

Mahmud Khamidov presented proposals aimed at improving the Center's activities, launching new areas of work, including countering cyber threats and the spread of synthetic drugs, as well as modernizing information and analytical resources. Particular attention was paid to initiatives related to strengthening the Center's financial sustainability and expanding international partnerships.

The General Prosecutor's Office of the Republic of Kazakhstan expressed its support for CARICC initiatives aimed at improving regional cooperation mechanisms in the fight against drug trafficking. During the meeting, the parties discussed prospects for expanding cooperation, including the development of new joint documents and projects. Particular attention was paid to developing cooperation with key departments of the General Prosecutor's Office – the Academy of Law Enforcement Agencies and the Committee on Legal Statistics and Special Records.

The role of information and analysis in the Center's activities was particularly noted. In this regard, it was proposed to expand the list of information transmitted to CARICC, taking into account the potential of state legal statistics as a source of relevant and reliable data on the drug situation in the region. In particular, an initiative was announced to include the following information in CARICET's analytical materials:

- data on the progress of criminal prosecutions for drug-related crimes and judicial practice;

- information on the investigation of crimes related to illicit drug trafficking;

- results of operational and investigative activities to identify transnational drug-related crime.

The Kazakh side expressed its readiness to support CARICOM's efforts to strengthen regional cooperation in the fight against drug trafficking and confirmed its interest in further coordinating joint efforts.

The meeting took place in a constructive and friendly atmosphere, confirming the high level of trust and the parties' desire to deepen practical cooperation in the field of anti-drug activities.

CARICC Director Colonel Makhmud Khamidov visited the Academy of Law Enforcement Agencies under the General Prosecutor's Office of the Republic of Kazakhstan on 10 October 2025 as part of his visit to Astana.

The visit included a meeting with a delegation from the Academy led by its Rector, State Counselor 3rd Class Nurgalim Abdirov.

At the beginning of negotiations the CARICC Director congratulated Mr. Abdirov on his appointment as Rector of the Academy, wished him success in his professional activities and expressed his gratitude to the entire Academy team for comprehensive support provided to the Centre's activities.

Mr. Khamidov underlined importance of on-going cooperation under the Protocol on Cooperation between CARICC and the Academy signed in 2018. Proposals were made to optimize organizational structure of CARICC, launch new areas of activity (in particular, countering cyber threats and trafficking of synthetic drugs), modernize information and analytical resources, and initiatives aimed at strengthening financial sustainability and expanding international partnerships.

Parties highlighted significant contribution to the development of human resources capacity of law enforcement agencies in the region achieved through joint educational activities, including training courses and seminars held both at the Academy and at CARICC.

The following was organized as part of joint cooperation since 2018:

9 training sessions at the Academy, including 2 specialized courses for Academy staff, with 12 to 24 participants in each session;

5 simulation training sessions at CARICC, including activities to combat human trafficking, detect drug crimes in cyberspace, and combat legalization of proceeds from illicit drug trafficking. Each training session was attended by 30 to 40 officers from competent authorities.

A total of more than 190 representatives of law enforcement agencies from countries in the region attended joint events at the Academy in Kosshy, and around 180 members of authorized bodies attended events at CARICC.

The Academy reaffirmed its readiness to continue supporting CARICC initiatives aimed at improving its activities and strengthening regional cooperation in the fight against drug trafficking.

A mutual agreement was reached to take cooperation to a new level by developing and signing a relevant memorandum in the near future, adopting a roadmap for preparation of joint research and analytical papers on counter-narcotics topics, as well as science-based recommendations for subsequent implementation in law enforcement practice.

The Academy expressed commitment to provide its facilities, including the specialized Cyber Center, for joint training and practical exercises.

The meeting proceeded in a friendly atmosphere and in the spirit of constructive dialogue, confirming high level of interest of the parties in further deepening practical cooperation in the field of personnel training and countering drug crime.

Mr. Makhmud Khamidov, Director of the Central Asian Regional Information and Coordination Centre (CARICC), met with Mr. Akan Rakhmetullin, First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, at premises of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Astana on 9 October 2025.

During the meeting CARICC Director thanked Kazakhstan for extensive support of CARICC activities. He outlined proposals to improve CARICC's effectiveness, including optimizing its organizational structure, launching new areas of work (particularly on cyber threats and synthetic drugs), modernizing its information and analytical resources, and initiatives aimed at ensuring financial sustainability and geographic expansion of international cooperation.

Particular attention was paid to the initiative to ensure sustainable funding for CARICC supported by participating countries. In this regard, it is planned to hold a meeting of expert group to align draft budget rules for the Centre. They also discussed preparations for a regular meeting of the Council of National Coordinators of CARICC member states, which is expected to address key organizational and strategic questions regarding the Centre's performance.

First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Mr. A. Rakhmetullin congratulated Mr. Khamidov on his appointment as CARICC Director and wished success in future professional endeavors.

Kazakhstan reaffirmed its readiness to further provide comprehensive support to CARICC initiatives aimed at improving its activities and strengthening regional cooperation in combating drug trafficking.

Following the talks parties agreed to step up joint efforts to improve effectiveness of CARICC's activities and confirmed mutual interest in strengthening practical cooperation between CARICC and competent authorities of the Republic of Kazakhstan.