Central Asian and Middle Eastern leaders meet in Astana to discuss AI security

Leaders from Central Asia, Jordan, and Azerbaijan convened in Astana, Kazakhstan, on November 6, 2026, for the Aqaba Process meeting. The summit focused on addressing security challenges posed by artificial intelligence and countering cyber threats.

The meeting included heads of state from Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, alongside King Abdullah II of Jordan and representatives from Azerbaijan. International organizations, including the United Nations, the European Union, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, were also in attendance.

During the summit, Turkmenistan President Serdar Berdimuhamedov presented initiatives aimed at achieving global security through preventive diplomacy, neutrality, and political dialogue. Discussions highlighted how AI can supercharge disinformation, fraud, and espionage, while also emphasizing the need to protect critical infrastructure and maintain cybersecurity hygiene.