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Press release

Illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs within the context of regional border security focus of OSCE Secretary General Forum with Central Asia Border Commanders

Date:
Place:
Istanbul
Source:
OSCE Secretary General
Fields of work:
Border management

ISTANBUL, 21 April 2026 – The 2026 Forum of the OSCE Secretary General and Central Asia Border Commanders concluded in Istanbul today. Discussions focused on strengthening border security and management in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Enhancing regional co-operation to prevent and combat drug trafficking, including synthetic drugs, and broader transnational threats was also further explored.

Since its establishment in 2023, the Forum has developed into a key platform for strategic regional dialogue. “The Forum has, in a short time, proven its value,” said OSCE Secretary General Feridun H. Sinirlioğlu. “It has become a trusted platform for direct exchange between the Central Asian Border Commanders and the OSCE, helping to identify shared regional challenges and strengthen co-operation and trust.”

The Secretary General reaffirmed the OSCE’s commitment to support participating States through risk-based, intelligence-led border and security management, and to strengthen inter-agency and cross-border co-operation, in line with its comprehensive approach to security.

“The security environment across the OSCE region is becoming increasingly complex and unpredictable, amid profound geopolitical volatility. Instability in the wider region continues to affect the security in Central Asia, alongside persistent transnational threats including drug trafficking, organized crime, terrorism and the growing use of new technologies by criminal networks,” added the Secretary General. “These transnational threats affect us all. They cannot be addressed in isolation. They require a collective and comprehensive response.” 

Bilateral meetings between the Secretary General and Border Commanders were also held on the margins of the Forum to discuss operational priorities, emerging security concerns as well as training and capacity-building needs. 

The Forum’s outcomes will help the OSCE further tailor support to the region, including through the Border Management Staff College


Contacts

Communication and Media Relations Section

OSCE Secretariat