Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) —  The 20th meeting of the Heads of Security and Intelligence Agencies of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) took place in Moscow.

Representatives from Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan gathered to discuss key issues of cooperation among intelligence agencies amidst growing external pressure, according to the press office of Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR).

In his welcoming address, Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasized the importance of collective efforts to ensure the security of CIS countries. He highlighted the effectiveness of the advisory body, which enables the discussion and resolution of pressing issues related to protecting against internal and external threats.

During the meeting, it was noted that persistent Western attempts to maintain dominance and destabilize the region pose a significant threat to the stable development of CIS member states. Participants reaffirmed the need for continued enhancement of intelligence cooperation to safeguard national interests from external negative influences.