Dear Chair,
Heads of delegation,
Ladies and gentlemen,
At the outset, I would like to thank the Republic of Azerbaijan for hosting today’s event.This is a valuable platform for exchanging information on lessons learned from emerging challenges. The highlight of this timely organized meeting is that we cannot tackle modern evolving challenges independently or in isolation.
I have the honour to represent the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measuresin Asia (CICA), an intergovernmental pan-Asian platform consisting of 28 Member States. Two-thirds of the world GDP and of global economic growth are produced in the CICA Member States.
Major global shocks in recent years have challenged our international institutions. Unity around our shared principles and common goals is both crucial and urgent.
The recent pandemic has severely disrupted businesses, economies, societies, travel, trade, and supply chains and exposed the lack of connectivity in Asia.
The CICA Chairmanship has been working on establishing the Council on Sustainable Connectivity, which will assist to the CICA Member States to develop a network of transit and transport infrastructures.
We must acknowledge the significance of multilateral cooperation and solidarity during these testing times.
The Non-Aligned Movement has a rich history of championing the principles of multilateralism and equality. In today's context, it is crucial that we uphold these principles while also recognizing the need for increased collaboration and joint actions.
We must work together to ensure equitable access to essential resources, among them technologies, green energy, food, and medical supplies.
This also includes strengthening healthcare systems, promoting research and development, and supporting the most vulnerable nations in their efforts to mitigate the impact of the world crisis.
Issues such as climate change, terrorism, and the digital divide require our collective attention. By fostering dialogue, understanding, and cooperation, we can develop comprehensive strategies of collective response that address these complex challenges.
The Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia remains committed to collaborating with the Non-Aligned Movement and other like-minded organizations in our shared pursuit of peace, security, and prosperity. Let us stand united and steadfast, build global partnership in our efforts to confront the emerging challenges of our time.
Thank you.
Baku, 5-6 July 2023
