Baku, 15-17 January 2025 – The Secretary General of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA), Ambassador Kairat Sarybay, conducted a productive visit to Baku to discuss the implementation modalities of the priorities of Azerbaijan’s Chairmanship of CICA for 2024-2026.
During his visit, Ambassador Sarybay had the honor to be received by H.E. llham Aliyev, President of Azerbaijan, who reaffirmed the country’s unwavering support for CICA and shared his strategic vision for the Chairmanship. Their discussions emphasized Azerbaijan’s focus on fostering pan-Asian dialogue, driving institutional innovation, and promoting sustainable regional development. Ambassador Sarybay expressed profound gratitude for President Aliyev’s strong leadership and forward-looking guidance in shaping CICA’s future.
The Secretary General also met with H.E. Jeyhun Bayramov, Minister of Foreign Affairs, to discuss the Chairmanship’s key priorities, emphasizing continuity and innovation. Topics included preparations for the 2025 CICA Ministerial Council additional meeting in New York and the 2026 CICA Summit. Ambassador Sarybay commended Azerbaijan’s commitment to strengthening CICA’s institutional framework and extended appreciation for the country’s substantial human and financial contributions to the CICA Secretariat. In a meeting with Deputy Foreign Minister Araz Azimov, they focused on advancing Azerbaijan’s Chairmanship priorities, including further institutionalization of CICA.
The Secretary General held constructive talks with H.E. Rashad N. Nabiyev, Minister of Digital Development and Transport, discussing Azerbaijan’s leadership in enhancing transport corridors, promoting sustainable connectivity, and advancing digitalization within the CICA framework. Similarly, during a meeting with H.E. Mukhtar Babayev, Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, Ambassador Sarybay explored the prospects for advancing and institutionalizing an environmental agenda within CICA’s initiatives.
A meeting with H.E. Adil Karimli, Minister of Culture, delved into CICA’s potential to safeguard cultural heritage, encourage cultural exchanges, and foster inter-civilizational dialogue across Asia, showcasing Azerbaijan’s rich cultural diversity. Ambassador Sarybay also met with H.E. Farid Gayibov, Minister of Youth and Sport, to elaborate on efforts to institutionalize youth engagement through the CICA Youth Council.
Further discussions included Ms. Bahar Muradova, Chairperson of the State Committee for Family, Women, and Children, who highlighted Azerbaijan’s initiatives institutionalizing within CICA women’s empowerment, strengthening family values, and preserving cultural heritage. Ambassador Sarybay engaged with Mr. Fuad Naghiyev, Chair of the State Tourism Agency, to discuss plans for promoting cultural exchanges and enhancing people-to-people ties through CICA’s platforms.
In his meeting with Mr. Vugar Suleymanov, Chair of ANAMA, the Secretary General commended Azerbaijan’s expertise in demining as a crucial area for post-conflict rehabilitation and a key priority under the Azerbaijani Chairmanship. Discussions with Mr. Orkhan Mammadov, Chair of the Board of KOBİA, focused on advancing priorities in the economic dimension, including actions to support SME digitalization, transitioning to a green economy, and promoting women’s entrepreneurship through the CICA Business Council.
Ambassador Sarybay also met with H.E. Rector Ambassador Hafiz Pashayev of ADA University to strategize operationalization of the new CICA body, the Partnership Network of Leading Universities (PNLU). The Secretary General expressed confidence that ADA University’s leadership as Chair of the PNLU Coordination Council would enhance academic exchanges and foster cooperation in science and education across Asia. CICA Secretary General also delivered a lecture to students at ADA University, offering valuable insights on confidence building measures for peace and security in Asia. The CICA Secretary General emphasized that fostering mutual trust and cooperation is essential for addressing regional challenges and ensuring long-term stability.
Concluding his discussions, Ambassador Sarybay engaged with Ambassador Dr. Farid Shafiyev, Chair of the Center for Analyses of International Relations, to explore ways to leverage the CICA Think Tank Forum to advance mediation efforts and enhance CICA’s effectiveness.
During the visit, Secretary General Sarybay also gave interviews to Report.az, AnewZ, and the Institute for Development and Diplomacy at ADA University, where he highlighted the priorities of Azerbaijan's Chairmanship and its potential as a strong advocate for multilateralism. He emphasized Azerbaijan's meaningful contributions to the development of CICA, including its ongoing transformation.
The visit successfully laid the groundwork for advancing Azerbaijani Chairmanship priorities and reinforced CICA’s mission of fostering dialogue, cooperation, and sustainable development across Asia.