Astana, 6 July 2024 (TDI): First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, Akan Rakhmetullin, hosted an extensive meeting with Ashita Mittal, the Regional Representative of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) on 5 July in Central Asia.
This significant meeting was held to honour the completion of Ashita Mittal’s dedicated mission in the region.
During their discussions, they reflected on the collaborative efforts and achievements made in the fight against drug-related crimes in Central Asia and explored future avenues for continued cooperation and partnership between Kazakhstan and the UNODC.
Ashita Mittal highlighted Kazakhstan’s significant contributions and the robust dynamics of its cooperation with the UNODC.
Moreover, she emphasized the country’s active involvement and commitment within the framework of existing regional programs in Central Asia, which focus on combating illicit drug trafficking, cybercrime, transnational organized crime, and corruption.
Mittal commended the collaborative efforts and the progress achieved through these initiatives, underscoring Kazakhstan’s crucial role in addressing these critical issues.
She extended her heartfelt congratulations to Kazakhstan on its historic election to the UN Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice for the term 2025-2027.
This significant achievement marks the first time Kazakhstan has been elected to this prestigious commission.
Additionally, she acknowledged the country’s dedication and efforts in crime prevention and criminal justice, which led to this notable recognition by the international community.
First Deputy Minister Rakhmetullin emphasized the critical importance of sustaining and broadening the cooperative efforts between Kazakhstan and the UNODC.
He highlighted the need to address various pressing issues, including the ongoing work of the Central Asian Regional Information and Coordination Centre for Combating Illicit Trafficking in Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances, and their Precursors (CARICC).
Furthermore, Rakhmetullin underscored that enhancing these collaborative initiatives is essential for effectively tackling the challenges posed by drug trafficking and related criminal activities in the region.
He highlighted the vigorous collaboration with the UNODC in the fight against synthetic drugs and expressed strong support for hosting a UNODC Regional Conference in Astana in 2025, which will focus on this critical issue.
Moreover, he emphasized that this event will serve as a significant platform for discussing strategies and strengthening regional efforts to combat the growing threat of synthetic drug trafficking and abuse.
Both parties expressed a shared interest in continuing and deepening the cooperation between Kazakhstan and the UNODC.
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In conclusion, Akan Rakhmetullin conveyed his gratitude to Ashita Mittal for her substantial contributions to strengthening the relationship between Kazakhstan and the UNODC.
