exercise will be aimed at developing practical skills in countering modern challenges and threats of terrorism and extremism.
Tashkent is hosting two important events on September 4-5: the Tenth International Scientific and Practical Conference of the RATS SCO and the Second CIS Conference on Combating Terrorism and Extremism. These conferences will bring together approximately 250 representatives from 20 CIS and SCO member states, as well as 6 international organizations. The opening of the event included an address from the President of Uzbekistan, highlighting the shared commitment to developing practical cooperation in ensuring peace, security, and stability in the region.
The rise in geopolitical tension and conflicts, along with the decline of global security institutions, have negatively impacted international cooperation in countering terrorism and extremism. To address these threats, the President of Uzbekistan emphasized the importance of improving regulatory frameworks and implementing joint practical activities within the RATS SCO and CIS Anti-Terrorism Center.
The Chairman of the State Security Service of Uzbekistan stressed the need for cooperation among SCO and CIS member states in countering international terrorism, religious extremism, and radicalism. He also highlighted the importance of assisting Afghanistan in fighting against the “Khorasan Vilayat” group, as well as the need for joint efforts and regular exchange of information to achieve effective results in ensuring stability and security.
The Director of the RATS SCO Executive Committee and the head of the Anti-Terrorism Center of the CIS member states also emphasized the importance of cooperation in combating terrorism and extremism in the current geopolitical climate. The UN Under Secretary General for Counter-Terrorism also sent a video message, calling for strengthened cooperation and trust among the participants.
The conference continued with panel discussions on national experiences in countering terrorism and extremism, international cooperation, and scientific and educational support. The State Security Service of Uzbekistan also plans to hold a joint anti-terrorist exercise with the coordination of the Anti-Terrorism Center of the CIS member states in 2024. This exercise aims to develop practical skills in countering modern challenges and threats of terrorism and extremism.