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Your Excellencies,
Dear colleagues,
Ladies and gentlemen,
It was with great pleasure that I accepted the invitation to this conference on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of MGIMO, one of the main talent foundry of diplomats and statesmen in our vast Eurasian continent.
Representing one of the largest multilateral structures in Asia, the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA), I believe it is highly relevant to discuss the formats and prospects of multilateral cooperation and integration in Eurasia, as well as, of course, the unique role of Kazakhstan and Russia in the process.
Amid global geopolitical changes, it is clear that there is a steady transition toward a truly multipolar paradigm of international relations. This reality is reflected in the emergence of multiple centers of influence and points of growth and development, each contributing to a more balanced yet increasingly complex structure of global governance. This shift is not merely a theoretical concept but a practical transformation with profound implications for shaping approaches to regional and international cooperation.
I think it's hard to argue that Greater Eurasia, the largest continent in terms of both area and population, is at the heart of this global transition. It is a region that unites countries with a wide variety of political systems, socio-economic models, and cultural and historical identities. The vast size of Eurasia – stretching from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic and from the Arctic to the Indian Ocean – suggests the logic of creating and strengthening such cooperation mechanisms that could effectively address the diverse needs and interests of all states in this part of the world.
In this context, multilateralism is becoming an even more relevant and practical approach than ever before for building a regional architecture of interstate relations. The complexity of modern challenges – from economic inequality and security issues to the environmental crisis and health problems – requires collective efforts and shared responsibility. The complex nature of these issues also means that no country can tackle them alone; instead, coordinated efforts are required, using the strengths and capabilities of all participants.
Kazakhstan and Russia, two key players in the Eurasian space, have long realized and actively demonstrate the importance of multilateralism in practice. Both countries participate in various international organizations and multilateral fora, primarily in the UN, but also in CICA, EAEU, CIS, SCO, CSTO.
Among the regional associations mentioned, CICA could be considered one of the largest intergovernmental platforms for our multilateral interaction in Asia. Initiated in 1992 at the high rostrum of the United Nations in response to the changing dynamics of security on the continent, CICA today stands as a unique and increasingly relevant institution for dialogue and cooperation on a wide array of issues - ranging from the military-political dimension and countering new challenges and threats to economic interaction, environmental issues and humanitarian concerns. Over its more than 30 years of development, CICA has evolved into a de facto international organization with an appropriate set of attributes and a structured system of bodies. Notably, Russia was at the origins of the establishment of the CICA Business Council and Business Forum and continues to oversee the development of small and medium enterprises within our platform.
A significant boost to the institutional development of our association occurred during Kazakhstan's chairmanship from 2020 to 2024. At the Sixth Summit, at Kazakhstan's initiative, the CICA leaders agreed to launch the transformation of CICA into a full-fledged international organization. Over the past four years of Kazakhstan's chairmanship, the regulations of such new structures as the CICA Think Tank Forum and the Council of Eminent Persons have also been approved, the CICA Fund has been established.
I would like to emphasize that Russia is one of the most active participants in the CICA process, consistently offering constructive support for the current Kazakh Chairmanship and the work of the CICA Secretariat. It is important to acknowledge the contribution of Russian colleagues to updating the CICA Rules of Procedure and to approving the updated CICA Catalogue of Confidence Building Measures, which, at Russia's initiative, was enriched by such a critical topic as ICT security. At Kazakhstan's suggestion, CICA's mandate was expanded to include issues related to epidemiological safety, public health and pharmaceuticals. Additionally, humanitarian assistance in the form of medicines and protective masks was provided to several CICA countries during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
I would like to add that Russia, together with China, co-sponsored the statement of the Sixth CICA Summit on international information security, and in 2023 initiated the adoption of the CICA ministerial statement on promoting volunteerism for sustainable development.
Separately, I would also like to highlight the aligned approaches of Russia and Kazakhstan regarding the potential of CICA to facilitate dialogue on volunteerism, environmental issues and transport connectivity. About a month ago, a successful high-level CICA Ministerial Conference on Environmental Issues took place, and just a couple of days later, the CICA Rally of Volunteer Movement Leaders will be held in Astana under the auspices of the CICA Youth Council.
Overall, the Secretariat expresses satisfaction with Kazakhstan and Russia's commitment to utilizing CICA for genuinely mutually beneficial and practical cooperation, as well as seamlessly integrating the Conference into the evolving framework of multilateral cooperation and security across Greater Eurasia. I believe it is crucial in this regard to strengthen regional partnerships, to achieve complementarity and synergy among various multilateral structures in this vast space.
On 19 December, Baku will host the Seventh CICA Ministerial Council Meeting, where the chairmanship will be handed over from Kazakhstan to Azerbaijan. I am confident that our Azerbaijani partners fully understand the responsible nature of their mission regarding the further evolution of CICA and its contribution to enhancing multilateralism in Asia and, more broadly, throughout Eurasia.
The emerging multipolar world order presents both challenges and new opportunities, and therefore the importance of platforms such as CICA will only increase. I am convinced that Kazakhstan and Russia are committed to this transition through active participation in multilateral fora and cooperative mechanisms. Using collective wisdom, based on the principles of inclusivity and consensus, we can contribute to a more integrated, stable and prosperous Eurasian space.
Thank you.
Astana, 30 September 2024
