UNODC Border Management Branch delegation visits Central Asia to discuss strengthening integrated border management and regional security

The mission aimed to discuss the UNODC’s efforts in enhancing integrated border management and regional security with counterparts in Central Asia and explore the prospect of deepened cooperation in these areas.

During the visit, the delegation accompanied by Ashita Mittal, UNODC Regional Representative for Central Asia, Yusuf Kurbonov, UNODC International Programme Coordinator, and Sardor Atashikov, UNODC Regional Programme Coordinator for Central Asia, Passenger and Cargo Border Team, held a number of constructive meetings with the relevant counterparts and visited strategic border outposts and crossing points, newly established Border Liaison Offices at the border crossing points, Air Cargo Control Units (ACCU) at the international airports, and special economic zone at the Kazakh-Chinese border, among others.

In Uzbekistan, the delegation engaged in important meetings with key stakeholders, including the Director of the National Information and Analytical Center on Drug Control, the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Border Troops, and the Deputy Chairman of the Customs Committee under the Ministry of Economy and Finance. The discussions focused on strengthening integrated border management and drug control efforts.

The delegation also visited the Customs Situation Center and the Aviayuklar ACCU at the Tashkent International Airport. That provided them with valuable insights into the ongoing initiatives and operations.

After their visit to Uzbekistan, the delegation had a mission to the Altynkol zhol Port Control Unit (established with the support of the UNODC Global Container Control Programme), the Nur Zholy border crossing point at the Kazakh-Chinese border (Special Economic Zone “Khorgos - Eastern Gateway”).

As part of their visit to Kazakhstan, the delegation met with the Director of the Central Asian Regional Information and Coordination Centre for Combatting Illicit Trafficking of Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances and their Precursors (CARICC) and the representatives of the Border Academy of the National Security Committee of the Republic of Kazakhstan. In the course of the meetings, the parties discussed cooperation, coordination, and partnership between UNODC and the agencies, including strengthening integrated border management.

The delegation attended an annual regional meeting of the Steering Committees established under the UNODC Regional Project on Enhancing Cross-Border Cooperation by Strengthening the Capacity of Border Liaison Offices in Central Asia of Sub-programme 1 Preventing and Countering Transnational Organized Crime of the UNODC Programme for Central Asia 2022 – 2025 held in Almaty on 24 – 25 October.

Addressing the meeting participants, Alan Cole highlighted that “integrated border management is becoming extremely important in today's world. The form of cooperation offered by border liaison offices is more important than it has ever been.”

Tofik Murshudlu noted: “There is a need for enhancing transborder cooperation. The project is one of the most impressive and successful examples of how it can be done in the right way not only in Central Asia but also in other regions.”

“Strengthening cross-border cooperation is very important not only for countering transnational organized crime but also for helping people to cross borders safely, promote legal trade, and ensure peace and security. Integrated border management is an answer to address transborder challenges and threats,” said Ashita Mittal, UNODC Regional Representative for Central Asia, addressing the meeting participants. 

The representatives of the law enforcement agencies from Central Asian countries updated the delegation on the implementation of the project in their respective countries. They highlighted the importance of strengthening further cross-border cooperation and coordination of activities to address threats posed by transnational organized crime in the region more effectively.

Afterward, the delegation visited the Zhetysu ACCU at the Almaty International Airport, where they were introduced to the UNODC support at this ACCU.

In Tajikistan, the delegation met with the Commander of the Border Troops of the State Committee for National Security of the Republic of Tajikistan, Director of the Drug Control Agency (DCA) under the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Head of the Customs Service at the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan, and Head of the Counternarcotics Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan.

Due to rising security concerns and increased transnational organized crime in the region, Tajik law enforcement officials stressed the importance of strengthening border management and control in the region to counter terrorism and prevent illicit drug trafficking and weapons smuggling.

UNODC representatives acknowledged Tajikistan’s pivotal role in countering the security threats affecting the region and expressed readiness to continue support for the Tajik border and drug law enforcement agencies in further capacity building and infrastructure enhancement.

After the official meetings, the delegation visited the Coordination Center at the Border Troops Headquarters, the DCA Canine Center and the DCA Training Center established with the support of UNODC.

As part of the mission to Tajikistan, the delegation visited the Payvand border outpost, located at the Shahritus stretch along the Tajik-Afghan border. The strategic outpost constructed by UNODC contributes to the border officers’ operational capacity for 24/7 presence at the ‘green line’ border.

The delegation also visited new BLOs established with the support of the Regional Project on Enhancing Cross-Border Cooperation in Central Asia at the Ayvaj border crossing point located on the Tajik-Uzbek border and the Gulbahor border crossing point located on the Uzbek-Tajik border. BLO at the Ayvaj checkpoint is the eighth BLO located in the strategic tri-border area (Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Afghanistan) which contributes to enhancing cross-border cooperation, communication and information exchange between law enforcement agencies to counter transnational threats effectively.

Lastly, the delegation visited the Ayritom border crossing point and Termez Cargo Center logistics terminal located on the Uzbek-Afghan border.

The mission will make significant contributions to the UNODC’s ongoing endeavors in enhancing integrated border management and regional security in Central Asia and intensify interventions in these crucial areas.

For further information, please contact:

Ms. Nurangez Abdulhamidova

Communications and External Relations Specialist

UNODC Regional Office for Central Asia

Email: nurangez.abdulhamidova[at]un.org