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.

A working meeting with a delegation from the UNODC Regional Office for Central Asia, Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan (UNODC) was held at CARICC building on 6 October 2025.

Meeting was aimed at discussing priority areas of cooperation between CARICC and UNODC, exchanging views on current projects and future initiatives.

Participants in the working meeting included:

from UNODC

- Mr. Oliver Stolpe, Regional Representative, Head of Delegation;

- Ms. Madina Sarieva, International Coordinator of the UNODC Programme Office in Kazakhstan,

- Mr. Yusuf Kurbonov, UNODC International Programme Coordinator,

- Mr. Aliaksandr Vadziany, UNODC Advisor on Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing,

- Mr. Sardor Atashikov, UNODC Regional Coordinator for Passenger and Cargo Control.

From CARICC: Director M.T. Khamidov, Advisors A.A. Erkaboev and R.T. Ilyasov, Analyst B.A. Avazzoda.

CARICC Director M. Khamidov presented up-to-date information on the Centre's activities, including measures to optimize its organizational structure, develop new areas of work (in particular, in cyberspace and on synthetic drugs), modernize information and analytical resources, address financial sustainability issues, and expand geography of cooperation.

Special attention was paid to cooperation with the UNODC Information Center for Research and Analysis of Transnational Threats in the Region located in Tashkent, as well as to preparation of joint analytical papers and development of a plan of joint activities.

UNODC delegation expressed high appreciation for the initiatives presented and confirmed its readiness to provide expert and technical support. Proposals were also made for CARICC's participation in upcoming regional and international events, including seminars on precursor control and drug crime investigation, as well as a study visit to China and a meeting with representatives of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

During the meeting, CARICC proposed considering the possibility of holding an international scientific and practical conference on “International and regional cooperation in combating drug trafficking along the Trans-Caspian transport corridor,” in partnership with UNODC and with the support of the European Union.

Following the meeting parties confirmed their commitment to expanding practical cooperation, exchanging experience, and working together to combat drug trafficking and transnational crime in the region.

Overall, the meeting was a constructive and meaningful dialogue, during which a mutual agreement was reached on further pursuing and strengthening cooperation between UNODC and CARICC.

Director of the Centre, Mr. Makhmud Tolibovich Khamidov, held a working meeting with a delegation of the Consulate General of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Almaty led by Consul General Ms. Sona Ahmadi at CARICC premises in Almaty on 3 October 2025.

During the meeting CARICC Director presented information on the Centre's mandate, objectives and main areas of activity, and outlined current initiatives and development plans aimed at enhancing effectiveness of practical work in the field of countering drug trafficking.

Particular attention was paid to expanding cooperation between CARICC and competent authorities of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Suggestions were made to intensify cooperation, including exchange of operational and analytical information, joint events, and participation in educational and research projects.

Then, CARICC staff members delivered a detailed presentation on the Centre's activities to the distinguished delegation.

Ms. Sona Ahmadi, Consul General of the Islamic Republic of Iran, remarked that drug problem is among the key threats to global security. Illicit drug trafficking contributes to instability and is a source of funding for terrorist and extremist groups, particularly in Western and Central Asia.

She also underlined Iran's commitment to a balanced approach to combating the drug threat, addressing not only law enforcement measures but also treatment, rehabilitation, and drug abuse prevention.

In addition, Ms. Sona Ahmadi expressed willingness to further develop partnership with CARICC, including through sharing practical experience, information, and scientific research in this field.

Following the talks parties agreed to step up joint efforts to combat illicit drug trafficking and reiterated their mutual interest in strengthening working contacts and coordinating efforts to combat transnational drug crime.

The working meeting was held in a positive, constructive, and substantive dialogue, and it was agreed that both sides would aspire to further develop cooperation between CARICC and the Islamic Republic of Iran.