The key facts

  • The first SCO+ expert dialogue on security is taking place in Samarkand, chaired by the head of Uzbekistan’s State Security Service, B. Kurbanov
  • The theme is combating terrorism and extremism in light of the development of new technologies
  • The “SCO+” format was initiated by Shavkat Mirziyoyev in 2024 at the summit in Astana

The first SCO+ expert dialogue on security opens in Samarkand

The first SCO+ expert dialogue on security issues has begun its work in Samarkand. The event, themed “Security in the Era of Digital Transformation: Combating Terrorism and Extremism in Light of New Technologies,” is being held under the chairmanship of the head of the State Security Service of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Colonel General B. Kurbanov. This was reported by UzA, and Kun.uz also published material on the topic.

The President’s address and the list of participants

At the start of the meeting, the address of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to the participants of the international dialogue was read out by the Secretary of the Security Council under the President, V. Makhmudov. The event is attended by heads and representatives of the special services of SCO member states, observer states and dialogue partners, representatives of international organizations, and invited guests.

Origin of the format

The initiative to create the “SCO+” security format belongs to Shavkat Mirziyoyev: it was first voiced in 2024 at the SCO summit in Astana. At the meeting of the Council of Heads of SCO Member States in Tianjin in 2025, it was proposed to hold the first expert dialogue in Samarkand. Thus, the meeting currently taking place is the realization of a two-year initiative by Uzbekistan, and its holding in Samarkand was agreed upon in advance at the highest level of the organization.