The first meeting of heads of intelligence services of Central Asian states has been held in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, xavfsizlik Telegram channel reported.

The event was under Uzbekistan's chairmanship in the VII Consultative Meeting of the Heads of Central Asian States.  The message of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev to the participants was voiced during the opening of the event. In particular, it stated that the dialogue between the heads of intelligence services of the Central Asian states will serve to develop joint approaches and effective mechanisms to ensure regional security. 

The meeting focused on developing common approaches to assessing modern threats and challenges to the security of the region's countries and strengthening effectiveness of cooperation between intelligence services to address them.

The sides discussed relevant issues of regional security, countering terrorism, extremism, illegal trafficking of drugs and weapons, transnational crime, information and cyber security, as well as other areas of cooperation presenting mutual interest.

The meeting served as an important milestone in the development of cooperation between the Central Asian countries in the field of security and marked the onset of regular meetings of heads of intelligence services to further strengthen peace and stability in our region.