The OSCE Forum discussed measures to strengthen border security and the border regime in Central Asia

Vienna, June 4, 2024 – The 2nd Forum of the OSCE Secretary General and the Commanders of the Border Services of Central Asia was held in Vienna and focused on using advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, to ensure border security and optimize the border regime in Central Asia.

The Forum was attended by a delegation from Kazakhstan led by the Deputy Chairman of the National Security Committee - Director of the Border Service of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Major General Yerlan Aldazhumanov.

The event presented OSCE projects and instruments that support the ongoing efforts of Central Asian States to address cross-border challenges, including threats from Afghanistan. It also identified concrete measures and recommendations for strengthening the OSCE's role in ensuring regional stability and security.

During the meeting, border service commanders presented their countries' best border security and control practices, focusing on using unmanned aerial vehicles, biometrics, and artificial intelligence. Ways to further strengthen and optimize cross-border cooperation in this field were discussed.

The head of the Kazakh delegation noted the importance of joint efforts by the international community against the background of the difficult geopolitical situation, the threat of terrorism, and transnational crime. He also thanked the OSCE for its assistance in strengthening security in the region through its programs aimed at improving the technological and educational potential of the border authorities of Kazakhstan and the Central Asian countries.

On the Forum's sidelines, the Kazakh delegation's head held a bilateral meeting with OSCE Secretary General Helga Schmid to discuss further steps to develop cooperation in border security.