On November 6, the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Leader of the Nation, His Excellency Emomali Rahmon, participated in and delivered a speech at the Aqaba Process Meeting on security issues in the field of artificial intelligence, held in Astana, Republic of Kazakhstan.

It was emphasized that today’s meeting, taking place amid the rapid development of digital technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, is both timely and important.

President Emomali Rahmon noted that unprecedented technological advances are creating extensive opportunities for the development of various sectors, including the economy, social affairs, science, education, and the improvement of public administration systems.

It was stated that artificial intelligence has become one of the key drivers of scientific and technological progress. It is gradually transforming methods of production, the dissemination and understanding of information, while opening up new horizons for the development of our countries.

It was emphasized that modern technologies, including artificial intelligence, are also changing the nature of criminal activity and creating new security risks and threats. In this regard, the potential use of digital technologies by terrorist, extremist, and radical groups and organizations is a matter of serious concern.

According to President Emomali Rahmon, terrorist and extremist organizations extensively exploit the capabilities of modern technologies to spread radical ideologies, recruit new followers, influence public opinion, and generate disinformation.

“It is also a matter of serious concern that criminal groups and organizations may use artificial intelligence to design and produce modern weapons, particularly weapons of mass destruction, thereby creating serious security threats,” stated the Leader of the Nation, Emomali Rahmon.

He stressed that “Tajikistan advocates the responsible, safe, and purposeful use of artificial intelligence based on legal and ethical standards.”

It was highlighted that, in this regard, at the initiative of Tajikistan, the United Nations General Assembly has adopted two resolutions on this subject over the past two years. The first resolution is entitled “The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Creating New Opportunities for Sustainable Development in Central Asia.”

It was noted that, in accordance with this resolution, the establishment and utilization of the capabilities of the Artificial Intelligence Centre in Dushanbe is envisaged as a regional platform for promoting cooperation in the field of AI security. Such cooperation may include, among other things, training specialists in AI security, developing recommendations for assessing risks associated with its use, and preventing cyber threats.

It was also noted that, under another resolution, the United Nations General Assembly declared August 31 of this year as the International Day of Safe, Secure and Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence.

“We consider these initiatives an important step towards advancing international dialogue and developing common approaches to the use of artificial intelligence based on the principles of security, shared responsibility, and trust,” emphasized Emomali Rahmon.

The President of Tajikistan further noted that technological threats today are directly linked, above all, to international terrorism and its financing.

It was emphasized that countering such threats requires not only strengthening national cybersecurity mechanisms but also enhancing international cooperation, including the prompt exchange of information.

The Head of State stressed that, in this regard, the Dushanbe Process on Combating Terrorism and Its Financing has become an important platform for promoting regional and international cooperation.

“As the initiator of this process, Tajikistan supports the consolidation of efforts by states, international and regional organizations, and financial institutions to counter security threats and challenges,” stated the Leader of the Nation, Emomali Rahmon.

According to Emomali Rahmon, cooperation between the Dushanbe Process and the Aqaba Process could facilitate the exchange of practical experience, the development of common approaches, and the strengthening of countries’ capacities to counter emerging threats.

In this context, it was deemed necessary to focus joint efforts within this process primarily on four key and targeted areas, including strengthening international cooperation in the safe and responsible use of artificial intelligence and preventing its use for terrorist purposes.

At the same time, particular importance was attached to expanding cooperation among law enforcement agencies, special services, and relevant government institutions in identifying and preventing digital threats; strengthening institutional capacity and training specialists; improving the digital literacy of young people; and preventing the spread of extremist ideologies in the information space.

In conclusion, President Emomali Rahmon expressed confidence that the implementation of these measures would contribute to improving the effectiveness of joint efforts to combat terrorism, extremism, and other forms of transnational organized crime.