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Distinguished participants,
Ladies and gentlemen,
I sincerely thank the hosts for inviting me to speak at this important forum focused on sustainable development, modernization and humanitarian cooperation in the region.
It is fitting that this event is taking place in the heart of Central Asia that has historically served as a bridge between East and West, North and South, between cultures and civilizations, and is now becoming a platform for new dialogue and strategic partnership.
Today, as never before, we are facing challenges that are interconnected and interdependent. Central Asia and China, neighbours historically connected by the Silk Road and shared interests, have a unique opportunity to become a paragon of cooperation grounded in dialogue, trust and collaboration. In today’s world, we are united not only by trade and economic projects and cultural exchanges, but also by a shared responsibility for sustainable development.
In this regard, let me stress the importance of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA), whose role is becoming increasingly significant in the context of ongoing global changes. The world today is grappling with multiple interconnected challenges, from geopolitical instability to the need for energy transition and digital transformation. Our region lies at the heart of these developments, which is why coordinating efforts and sharing best practices is crucial.
CICA is a unique regional association made up of 28 Member States and 10 Observer States, covering nearly 90% of Asia. Within the China-Central Asia framework, five countries are CICA Member States and Turkmenistan holds observer status in our organization. Moreover, Kazakhstan, China and Tajikistan have been CICA Chairs, Uzbekistan is the coordinator of the CICA human dimension and Kyrgyzstan serves as co-coordinator in both the human dimension and the trade and investment priority area. My special gratitude goes to China, one of the founding members of CICA, for continuously and consistently supporting the development of CICA throughout its evolution and transformation.
The CICA philosophy prioritizes dialogue over confrontation and cooperation over isolation. We view the evolvement of confidence building measures as a foundation for cooperation and sustainable development. Thanks to CICA’s long-standing efforts, our countries are finding mutually acceptable ways of coexistence and cooperation, and acknowledging the opportunity to harmonize their mutual interests.
Over more than three decades of growth, CICA has set up several advisory bodies, including the Business Council, Youth Council and Think Tank Forum, has more recently created the Partnership Network of Leading Universities and launched a special mechanism, the CICA Fund. The Member States are currently discussing the establishment of a number of new institutions.
CICA takes particular pride in promoting confidence building measures in the humanitarian area: youth dialogue, cultural interaction, women's leadership, volunteerism and cooperation in education and science. The CICA Youth Council holds its annual meetings to address pressing challenges and explore opportunities for the younger generation. The CICA Partnership Network of Leading Universities, which brings together around 200 universities across the region and aims to foster cultural, academic and scientific exchange, is set to play a significant role in this regard.
I wish to take this opportunity to express my appreciation to the China International Communications Group for translating CICA’s Tales of Asia into Chinese, thereby reinforcing mutual understanding among countries and cultures across Asia, and I would also like to thank the CICG for hosting the CICA Youth Development Forum in Beijing in 2023.
At CICA, we are also working on new areas of closer cooperation, such as women’s empowerment. In this context, the establishment of a CICA Women Council this year, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration on strengthening the role of women, would be a highly significant milestone.
Recognizing the vital role of transport and logistics in regional economic integration, CICA has designated connectivity as one of its key priorities. This includes the establishment of a CICA Council on Sustainable Connectivity aimed at bridging gaps in global supply chains and enhancing transit and transportation capacity. By developing diversified transport and delivery routes, CICA seeks to strengthen regional ties and support economic growth through better infrastructure and connectivity.
Efforts are underway to transform the Finance Summit, initiated by China during its 2018 Chairmanship, into a permanent advisory platform of CICA. The initiative seeks to create an enabling environment for regional and subregional financial cooperation, thereby contributing to economic recovery and sustainable development, while also reinforcing the financial systems of the Member States within the global financial architecture.
One of the most serious challenges requiring immediate and collective action is the environmental situation in the region. Last year’s Ministerial Conference on Environmental Issues, initiated by President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, adopted a final statement with a particular focus on cooperation in specific areas such as water management, natural disaster management, desertification and climate change. These threats are transboundary in nature, meaning no country can deal with them alone.
In this respect, I would like to acknowledge our efforts to advance the environmental agenda. The Secretariat’s new building is being constructed using advanced green technologies, such as solar panels donated by a leading Chinese company. Every year on World Bicycle Day, 3 June, we hold a bicycle tour to showcase our commitment to sustainable development principles. The CICA Alley, opened in Astana in 2021, represents our contribution to making the planet greener. We plan to expand this project to the capitals of all CICA Member States.
Distinguished colleagues,
CICA, as an inclusive and flexible platform, is ready to support any initiative that promotes dialogue and strengthens friendship among the peoples of the world, while enhancing greater synergy among various cooperation mechanisms in Asia. We view our mission as creating an environment for dialogue and building bridges for communication and coordination to serve the interests of the region’s sustainable and equitable development.
I thank you for your attention and wish forum participants fruitful discussions, new partnerships and tangible outcomes.
