The fundamental basis for countering terrorism and extremism is the protection and promotion of human rights and freedoms, as well as the rule of law, said the President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in his address to the participants of the joint conference of the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the CIS Anti-Terrorism Center, which opened in Tashkent on Wednesday.

The national strategy for countering terrorism and extremism of Uzbekistan is based on a comprehensive, inclusive and systemic approach that combines the use of preventive measures and practical response, said he.

"The priorities to this end are enhancing the atmosphere of mutual understanding and developing an open dialogue in society, comprehensive support for education, creating jobs and ensuring reliable social protection of the population," he underscored.

The country is also taking "extensive steps to support and unlock the potential of young people, and measures are being taken to adapt people returned from "hot spots" to peaceful life," the president added.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev underscored that "increased geopolitical tensions and escalation of conflicts, a lack of mutual trust between leading states, and a decline in the role of global security institutions have a negative impact on the development of open and effective international cooperation in countering the threats of terrorism and extremism."

He pointed to the growing risks and challenges in cyberspace, "when illegal activities, active recruitment and radicalization work are increasingly carried out through Internet networks and channels that do not recognize national borders and legislative norms."

"As a result, today, more and more often, the most vulnerable segments of the public, including our youth and labor migrants, become victims of "online zombification," are engaged into various illegal groups and are committing crimes," the president said.

He named the most important tasks as improving the regulatory framework and implementing joint practical activities within the framework of the SCO RATS and the CIS Anti-Terrorism Center, aimed at increasing the effectiveness of international cooperation in preventing and promptly responding to such challenges and threats.

The agenda of the joint conference includes issues of studying the best national practices, establishing effective mechanisms for counter-terrorism cooperation, scientific and educational exchange, forming effective tools to prevent the spread of the ideology of extremism and radicalism, tasks to suppress money laundering and the financing of terrorism.

, East-Antiterror-2024 joint anti-terrorist exercises will take place in Uzbekistan for the first time on Thursday. Shavkat Mirziyoyev expressed confidence that they would serve to "expand practical cooperation and increase the potential of special forces in the fight against common security threats."