Astana Summit: Kazakhstan and Jordan Lead International Talks on AI Security

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Kazakhstan has brought together several regional and international leaders in Astana for a high-level summit dedicated to the security implications of artificial intelligence, highlighting growing concerns over the potential misuse of emerging technologies.

Held on November 6, 2026, the meeting took place under the Aqaba Process, an international initiative aimed at strengthening cooperation against terrorism and violent extremism. The summit was co-chaired by Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Jordan's King Abdullah II.

The gathering marked the first time this format had been organized in Central Asia, giving the region an opportunity to contribute directly to international discussions on the security challenges associated with artificial intelligence.

Regional Leaders Address Emerging Technological Threats

The summit brought together prominent political figures, including Tajik President Emomali Rahmon, Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

Other participants included Sahiba Gafarova, Speaker of Azerbaijan's National Assembly, and Jeenbek Kulubaev, Kyrgyzstan's Minister of Foreign Affairs, alongside senior officials and representatives from other institutions.

Discussions focused on the relationship between technological progress and international security, particularly the possibility that artificial intelligence could be exploited by terrorist networks and extremist organizations.

The increasing accessibility of advanced digital tools has created new challenges for governments and security institutions. Participants therefore emphasized the importance of improving coordination, sharing expertise and developing practical responses to threats that extend beyond national borders.

The Aqaba Process Expands Its International Role

Established in 2015 at the initiative of King Abdullah II, the Aqaba Process provides an international platform for dialogue between governments, security agencies, military institutions and international organizations.

Rather than functioning as a conventional international organization, the initiative seeks to encourage direct exchanges between decision-makers and strengthen collective responses to terrorism, violent extremism and other evolving security risks.

Its latest meeting in Astana reflects an expansion of its geographical reach and demonstrates the growing importance of Central Asia in international security discussions.

By placing artificial intelligence at the centre of its agenda, the summit also highlighted the need to adapt existing counterterrorism strategies to an increasingly technology-driven environment.

Kazakhstan and Jordan Strengthen Their Strategic Partnership

The summit also provided an opportunity to reinforce diplomatic relations between Kazakhstan and Jordan.

King Abdullah II arrived in Astana on November 5, ahead of the main meeting, and held bilateral discussions with President Tokayev. The two leaders highlighted their countries' longstanding ties and their shared interest in advancing cooperation through the Aqaba Process.

Tokayev welcomed the decision to organize the gathering in Kazakhstan, describing the subject of artificial intelligence security as particularly relevant to current international challenges.

The joint leadership of the summit underscored the importance of cooperation between Central Asia and the Middle East in addressing security issues that increasingly require coordinated international action.

With artificial intelligence developing rapidly and creating both opportunities and vulnerabilities, the Astana meeting reinforced the need for governments to place technological innovation within a broader framework of responsibility, prevention and international security.