Samarkand to host first SCO Plus Security Dialogue expert meeting

The theme of the meeting is "Security in the era of digital transformation: countering terrorism and extremism taking into account the development of new technologies". It will be chaired by the head of the State Security Service of Uzbekistan, Colonel-General B. Kurbanov.

The organizers expect 33 delegations from 24 states and five international bodies. Heads and representatives of special services from SCO member states, observer states, and dialogue partners of the organization will arrive in Samarkand. International organizations and invited guests will also participate.

President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev initiated this format, first voicing it in 2024 during the SCO summit in Astana. The proposal to hold the first such meeting in Samarkand was made in 2025 in Tianjin, where the organization's heads of state gathered.

Participants are expected to exchange views on how advanced technologies and artificial intelligence affect current security threats and challenges. Following the meeting, the heads of delegations are to outline specific tasks and priorities for joint work against international terrorism and extremism in the era of digital transformation.