Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has called for closer security coordination between Central Asia and China, warning that expanding trade and infrastructure links are exposing the region to increasingly sophisticated cross-border threats.
Speaking at a meeting of interior ministers and public security officials under the “Central Asia-China” framework in Astana, Tokayev said economic cooperation depended on stability and stronger coordination between law enforcement agencies.
He highlighted the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route as an increasingly important link in Eurasian logistics, particularly as global supply chains adapt to geopolitical tensions. At the same time, he warned that rising cargo volumes increase the risks of smuggling, narcotics trafficking and the illegal movement of weapons.
Those risks are becoming more pronounced as Central Asia expands its role as a transit corridor between Asia and Europe, increasing exposure to organised criminal networks operating across borders.
Tokayev said transnational crime was becoming more technologically advanced, with cybercrime evolving into a highly profitable global industry causing billions of dollars in economic losses. Criminal groups, he said, increasingly use digital platforms to coordinate operations, launder illicit proceeds and launch attacks that are difficult to contain within national jurisdictions.
The meeting focused on regional security, cybercrime, extremism, drug trafficking and other cross-border threats. Tokayev also raised concerns about artificial intelligence, warning that the technology could become an “information weapon” in the hands of destructive groups, amplifying digital risks and complicating efforts to counter them.
Among the measures proposed was closer institutional coordination between law enforcement agencies, including the integration of databases to accelerate information sharing and improve responses to transnational crime.
The Astana talks build on agreements reached during the first meeting of interior and public security ministers in the “Central Asia-China” format, held in the Chinese city of Lianyungang in September 2024. Participants agreed to establish a platform for regular exchanges between law enforcement agencies, with cooperation since expanding into training and professional development.
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Germany will deploy a Patriot air-defence battery to Türkiye in the coming weeks as part of a NATO mission aimed at strengthening the alliance’s south-eastern flank, German officials have said.
A new United Nations report unveiled at the 13th Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku warns that the global housing crisis is worsening rapidly, with nearly 40% of the world’s population living in inadequate, unsafe or unaffordable housing.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran remained committed to reaching a diplomatic settlement with the U.S. while continuing to strengthen its defensive capabilities amid ongoing regional tensions.
Estonia said on Tuesday (19 May) that a NATO fighter jet shot down a suspected Ukrainian drone over its territory, in the latest reported airspace violation in the region amid ongoing Ukrainian strikes against Russia.
The World Urban Forum (WUF13) continues in Baku, Azerbaijan on 18 May, addressing the global housing crisis. The day’s agenda includes the official opening press conference, the WUF13 Urban Expo opening and a ministerial dialogue on the Nairobi Declaration to advance Africa's urban agenda.
United Nations World Urban Forum 13 continues in Baku, Azerbaijan on 19 May with sessions and roundtable discussions focused on strengthening dialogue and advancing cooperation in urban development. Organisers say there are nearly 3 billion people globally who face some form of housing inadequacy.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday he had paused a planned attack on Iran after appeals from the leaders of Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, allowing negotiations to continue over a possible deal to end the conflict.
A 5.2 magnitude earthquake struck China’s Guangxi region early on Monday, killing two people and forcing more than 7,000 residents in Liuzhou to evacuate as rescue efforts continued.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), warning that the situation poses a significant risk of cross-border spread in Central Africa.
Azerbaijan and Georgia have agreed to resume daily passenger train services on the Baku-Tbilisi-Baku route from 26 May, 2026, marking a major step in restoring regional rail connectivity after services were suspended in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Israeli forces intercepted dozens of Gaza-bound aid vessels in the eastern Mediterranean on Monday (18 May), prompting condemnation from the United Nations and Türkiye, while flotilla organisers said several ships continued sailing toward Gaza despite the operation.
Pakistan has deployed around 8,000 troops, fighter jets and air defence systems to Saudi Arabia under a mutual defence agreement, according to security officials and government sources familiar with the arrangement.
Uzbekistan has reported new fraud cases linked to employment in South Korea as investigators continue examining a wider migration corruption scheme estimated to have caused up to $90 million in losses.
When 36 nations signed up to prosecute Russia over its invasion of Ukraine, Georgia - a country partly occupied by Russia - declined to join. Tbilisi blamed strained relations with the EU. Critics blamed the government itself.
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