In the capital of Uzbekistan, Tashkent, on March 3-4 this year, with the participation of representatives of Central Asian countries and a wide range of international organizations, a high-level international conference "Regional cooperation between the states of Central Asia in the framework of a joint action plan for the implementation of the UN global counter-terrorism strategy" was held.

During the event, the participants strongly condemned terrorism in all its manifestations, as it is one of the most serious threats to peace and security. This thesis is enshrined in the Tashkent Declaration on 3^rd of March by its participants.

The countries that signed the document agreed to continue efforts to promote professional, interethnic and intercultural tolerance and dialogue, as well as to prevent discrimination based on race, ethnicity, gender or religion. “Terrorism should not and cannot be associated with any religion, nationality or ethnic group,” the document says.

In addition, the declaration notes that Central Asia has become the first region to develop a regional action plan for the implementation of the UN global counter-terrorism strategy and assume obligations for its implementation.

On the margins of the conference, the delegation of CARICC headed by its Director Major General of Militia Miralizoda R.A. held a number of meetings with international partners on expanding cooperation.

Representatives of the OSCE Transnational Threats Department, Ms. Albina Yakubova and Mr. Otabek Rashidov, were informed about the current activities of CARICC, its prospects and plans for further organization of work in the main areas of the anti-drug track.

The methods and mechanisms of interaction developed by the Center in the practical plane with the member states and international organizations were especially emphasized. In this vein, it is noted that due to this, it is advisable to consider the possibility of using the potential of CARICC not only in the fight against drugs, but also in countering international organized crime, terrorism, extremism, human trafficking and cybercrime.

Also, colleagues from the OSCE were informed about the ongoing work to expand membership in CARICC, including the acquisition of observer status by Iran and Sweden, as well as the study of the issue of Turkey joining it.

As a result of the meeting, agreements were reached on the continuation and further development of close contacts between CARICC and the OSCE in the field of combating transnational crime, holding joint events, including on issues of donor assistance.

In the context of the development of the situation in Afghanistan, a meeting was held with the UNODC Regional Representative for Central Asia, Ms. Ashita Mitall.

Director of CARICC Mr. Miralizoda R.A. noted that the Center closely monitors its development in the context of new challenges and threats of drug trafficking not only for Central Asia, but for the whole world.

Following in the footsteps of the decisions of the heads of member states, CARICC conducted and sent to all states and international organizations for practical use an in-depth analysis of the situation in Afghanistan.

It provides for an assessment of new challenges, threats and risks of drug trafficking, as well as a forecast and prospects for the development of the drug situation in Afghanistan and neighboring countries.

In this context, the importance of expanding cooperation between CARICC and the states of the region and international organizations was emphasized.

A special role in the implementation of existing initiatives should be played by proper funding of CARICC, both through voluntary contributions from the member states, and taking into account donor countries and potential partners.

Ms. A. Mitall also noted the achievements of CARICC and the results of its activities and emphasized the importance of the Center on the anti-drug track in the Central Asian region.

Among the important priorities, she also identified the need for sufficient funding for the Center, which is the key to its development and is consistent with the main directions for the implementation of the main UNODC programs in the region.

As a result, a number of decisions were made aimed at expanding cooperation in the format of CARICC and UNODC, as well as taking joint measures to ensure sufficient funding for the activities of the Center.