Updating Jordanian authorities on strategic goals of the forthcoming Sixth CICA Summit of Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) was the main aim of CICA Executive Director Ambassador Kairat Sarybay’s visit to Amman on 23 February 2022.
During the visit Mr. Kairat Sarybay had a meeting with H.E. Mr. Ayman Hussein Safadi, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of Jordan, where interlocutors discussed main features of outcome documents of the upcoming Sixth CICA Summit. Jordanian Foreign Minister reiterated the full support for furthering the CICA process which is contributing for peace and stability in the region and noted that Jordan will reflect this position in tangible and practical ways of cooperation.
CICA Executive Director expressed appreciation to Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan for strong commitment to CICA goals and objectives as well as for its invaluable support to Kazakhstan’s Chairmanship priorities.
The Executive Director of CICA also met with Ambassador Adly Al-Khalidi, Director of Asia and Oceania Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of Jordan, where he elaborated on main aspects of the concept of transformation of CICA into international organization. Ambassador Kairat Sarybay outlined that today CICA has acquired all necessary features of the international organization, including foundational documents, decision-making and working bodies, operational budget and a permanent Secretariat. The proposed transformation will highlight the new role of Asia in global affairs. The parties agreed that this process should be smooth and gradual, and based on the CICA’s cornerstone principles.
Adly Al-Khalidi stressed that Jordan supports further institutionalization of CICA and is ready to contribute to this way forward.
Dean of the Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II of the School of International Studies Professor Faisal Odeh Al-Rfouh underlined the role of CICA as a promising forum. Professor Al-Rfouh expressed readiness to promote the idea of CICA and suggested developing cooperation in the field of education through organizing conferences or undertaking joint research on regional security topics. Interlocutors agreed to consider organizing youth exchange programs as well.
Executive Director noted that newly established CICA Think Tanks Forum can be a good ground for analytical and research cooperation, and also shared his views on possible interaction within the frameworks of CICA NGO Forum and the CICA Youth Council. The head of the CICA Secretariat also shared plans for holding the Fifth Meeting of the CICA Youth Council, the agenda of which is expected to focus on the development and promotion of the institution of volunteering, the development of the institution of young parliamentarians, as well as the exchange of information and experience on student scholarship programs in the CICA Member States.
Kazakhstan was elected as the Chairman of the CICA in 2020. The transformation of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia into the full-fledged international organisation for security and cooperation in Asia is the strategic goal of the Kazakhstan’s Chairmanship. The visit of CICA Executive Director Ambassador Kairat Sarybay is taking place within the framework of preparations to the Sixth CICA Summit.
