First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Kairat Umarov participated in the opening of the 66th session of the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND), which is taking place from March 13 to 17, 2023, in the Austrian capital. As a member of the CND for 2020-2023, our country participates in decision-making on international drug control, El.kz cites MFA.
In his speech, the head of the Kazakh delegation emphasized the importance of regional initiatives, especially in the context of growing global and regional instability. One such initiative is the Central Asian Center for Combating Drug Trafficking (CARICC), created in 2010 and based in Almaty.
Over the years, the Centre has helped coordinate more than 50 counter-narcotic operations, which resulted in the seizure of 700 kg of heavy drugs and arrests of 50 members of transnational criminal groups. To raise awareness of CARICC activities, Kazakhstan has also co-organized a side event of the Center on the sidelines of the current session of the Commission.
In addition, the delegation of Kazakhstan attended and spoke at a joint side event of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime on the margins of the CND.
On the same day, Umarov talked with the Austrian Foreign Ministry Secretary General, Peter Launsky-Tieffenthal. The parties discussed a wide range of issues of bilateral cooperation and prospects for cooperation in various areas. Furthermore, the sides underscored the importance of organizing reciprocal visits at the high and highest levels.
The Austrian diplomat was briefed on the ongoing political and socio-economic reforms, as well as the upcoming early parliamentary elections in Kazakhstan.
The interlocutors also compared notes on current international issues.
In turn, Launsky-Tiffenthal welcomed the ongoing changes in Kazakhstan and praised the prospects for cooperation between the countries. He noted Kazakhstan’s active work in international organizations, including the OSCE, and Kazakhstan's balanced approach to the most important issues on the international agenda.
Following the meeting, the parties agreed to further intensify cooperation between Astana and Vienna on a bilateral and multilateral basis.
The delegation of Kazakhstan will continue its work at the 66th session of the CND. In addition, meetings are scheduled with the heads of international organizations based in Vienna.
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