Uzbekistan, US, Afghanistan to strengthen cooperation in the fight against drug trafficking and terrorism

According to the MFA press service, the event was attended by Co-chairs of the Sub-Committee, Deputy Chairman of the State Security Service of Uzbekistan Salimjon Khusanov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan Furkat Sidikov, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Afghanistan in the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Nancy Jackson, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Central Asia Thomas D. Croci, Deputy National Security Advisor to the President of Afghanistan Salem Shah Ibrahimi, Deputy Minister of National Defense of Afghanistan for Policy and Strategy Abdul Hai Rauf, representatives of involved ministries and agencies of the three countries.

At the meeting, views were exchanged on the current epidemiological situation and the impact of the coronavirus infection on regional and global security was discussed. The parties noted the need for uniting efforts to prevent the consequences of COVID-19.

The importance of expanding cooperation in border protection and information exchange between relevant agencies of the parties to improve the effectiveness of the fight against drug trafficking and terrorism was emphasized.

Special attention was paid to the current aspects of cooperation on the agenda “Women, peace and security”. Mechanisms for strengthening relations in ensuring the rights and interests of women and girls, solving the problems of violence against them and access to qualitative education were considered.

The sides also considered other issues on the joint agenda.