A delegation led by Colonel General Ali Naghiyev, Head of the State Security Service (SSS) of the Republic of Azerbaijan, participated in a meeting of the heads of special services of Central Asian states and the Republic of Azerbaijan held in the Republic of Kazakhstan on the topic "Ensuring Regional Security Amid Modern Threats."

Axar.az reports, citing the SSS Press Service, that speaking at the event, Colonel General Ali Naghiyev emphasized that the participation of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev in the Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia clearly reflects the strategic nature of relations between the countries.

He stated that Azerbaijan's becoming a full-fledged participant in this format is a historic step serving to strengthen peace, stability and security in the region, and that the country's relations with Central Asian states have reached a qualitatively new stage.

The SSS chief noted that threats to regional security include international terrorism and religious extremism, the activities of transnational criminal groups, illicit trafficking in drugs and weapons, as well as modern forms of cybercrime and other threats targeting critical infrastructure. He pointed out that the ability of criminal and terrorist groups to use modern information technologies to affect the operation of transport, communications and other vital facilities is a matter of particular concern.

Colonel General Ali Naghiyev expressed confidence that the atmosphere of brotherhood, mutual respect and trust characterizing relations between the countries would continue to strengthen.

At the end of the meeting, an agreement was reached to continue close cooperation between the special services in order to further strengthen regional security and stability.