International Dialogue on Security Issues Underway in Samarkand

On November 6, the first SCO Plus Expert Dialogue on Security Issues commenced in Samarkand. The event brings together representatives of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member states, observer countries, and dialogue partners.

The international meeting is dedicated to the theme "Security in the Era of Digital Transformation: Combating Terrorism and Extremism in Light of the Development of New Technologies." The event is being held under the chairmanship of Colonel General B. Kurbanov, Chairman of the State Security Service of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

At the opening ceremony, V. Makhmudov, Secretary of the Security Council under the President of Uzbekistan, read out an address from President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to the participants.

The meeting is attended by heads and representatives of special services from SCO member states, observer countries, and dialogue partners, as well as delegations from international organisations and invited guests.

For reference, the initiative to establish this dialogue format was put forward by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev at the SCO Summit held in Astana in 2024. During the meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of State in Tianjin in 2025, a proposal was made to hold the first expert dialogue in Samarkand.