The members of the Security Council stressed the need for further cooperation and coordination between the Central Asian States, UNRCCA and regional organizations to strengthen the region’s capacity to overcome challenges to peace, stability and sustainable development in Central Asia through the mechanisms of preventive diplomacy and dialogue. The members of the Security Council welcomed UNRCCA’s specific focus on supporting the cooperation among the Central Asian States in the area of counter-terrorism and religious extremism, and encouraged the realization of the Joint Plan of Action agreed upon for implementing the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy in the region. The members of the Security Council recognize the threat posed by illicit drug production, trade and trafficking to international peace and stability in the region. The members of the Security Council acknowledged the impact of the situation in Afghanistan on the Central Asian States and commended the role of UNRCCA, in cooperation with the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), in facilitating the engagement of the Central Asian States to contribute to international efforts in reconstruction and stabilization of Afghanistan.

Security Council Press Statement SC/11255