BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan –

An international seminar titled “The Impact of External Factors on Security and Development in Central Asia" took place in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic, on 9-10 December 2015.

The event was organized as a part of dialogue conducted by UNRCCA with institutes of strategic studies and the expert community in Central Asia. Representatives of governmental institutions from Central Asian and neighboring countries, regional organizations, UN entities, the diplomatic corps accredited to Kyrgyzstan, and independent experts participated in the seminar.

Participants discussed the problem of external challenges and threats to stability in Central Asia and ways to respond to external negative factors, the prospects for strengthening security cooperation among Central Asian states, the role of key partner countries and regional organizations. Special attention was paid to the threats posed to the region of Central Asia by the expansion of the so-called “Islamic state”.

After the seminar, UNRCCA will prepare a final report on the seminar with conclusions, recommendations and a compilation of presentations for publication and distribution.