Central Asian countries discuss security cooperation

NUR-SULTAN, June 11, 2020 - Deputy Foreign Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yerzhan Ashikbayev participated in an online meeting between the Deputy Foreign Ministers of Central Asian countries and Afghanistan, organized by the UN Regional Center for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA). The meeting involved Miroslav Jenča, Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs of the United Nations, Peter Burian, EU Special Representative for Central Asia, and Tuula Yrjölä, Director of the OSCE Conflict Prevention Center.

During the meeting, the participants discussed current trends and events related to the security in the region, as well as relevant issues of regional cooperation. They paid special attention to national initiatives and proposals to address the crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ashikbayev presented the post-crisis vision of the Government of Kazakhstan and also introduced the participants to the efforts that our country is taking in the fight against COVID-19 and its consequences at the country, regional and international levels. Thus, it was noted that Kazakhstan is providing all possible assistance to its partners in Central Asia and supports the main international UN initiatives.

The Deputy Minister called on the Central Asian partners to support Kazakhstan's initiatives to strengthen cooperation in regional security and implementation of sustainable development goals in Central Asia and Afghanistan.

Representatives of the UN, EU, and OSCE positively noted the interaction of the Central Asian states and Afghanistan in overcoming the negative consequences of the pandemic.

The participants of the meeting expressed their support for the efforts of UNRCCA, the EU, and OSCE to promote regional cooperation and strengthen peace and security in the region.

The First President of Kazakhstan, Leader of the Nation Nursultan Nazarbayev initiated the establishment of UNRCCA in December 2007. There are only three such UN Centers in the world: one in Central Asia and two in Africa.

The Center provides support to the regional efforts in conflict prevention and counteraction to modern challenges and threats (terrorism, drug trafficking, water and energy issues, etc.).