4 March 2025 – Astana – The Secretariat of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) hosted a traditional Iftar dinner to mark the holy month of Ramadan, welcoming heads of diplomatic missions from CICA Member and Observer States, and representatives of international organizations accredited in Astana.
In his welcoming remarks, CICA Secretary General Kairat Sarybay extended his heartfelt greetings to the guests, underscoring Ramadan as a time for reflection, compassion and a shared commitment to global peace. He highlighted the symbolic act of breaking fast together as a powerful representation of CICA’s core mission — building confidence, fostering dialogue and cooperation among nations.
Seizing the occasion, the Secretary General updated attendees on CICA’s recent achievements and the implementation of the Azerbaijani Chairmanship’s priorities, emphasizing its leadership in guiding the organization through its ongoing transformation process. He outlined the ambitious agenda set during the 7th CICA Ministerial Council Meeting and further refined at the last Senior Officials Committee (SOC) meeting in Baku. Ambassador Sarybay underscored key progress made since the start of the year, including the adoption of the 2025 Action Plan of the CICA Think Tank Forum, as well as the ongoing discussions on the draft CICA Charter, the CICA Finance Summit Regulations and the establishment of a CICA Women Council.
Additionally, the Secretary General announced the ratification of the CICA Convention on Privileges and Immunities by the Republic of Tajikistan, a significant step in strengthening CICA’s legal capacity. He also provided an update on the near completion of the new CICA Headquarters in Astana, set to open in late June or early July 2025, underscoring Kazakhstan’s ongoing commitment to CICA’s institutional development.
In closing, Ambassador Sarybay expressed his deep appreciation to all attendees for their unwavering dedication to strengthening trust and cooperation across the region. He reaffirmed CICA’s mission to build a future founded on mutual understanding, stability and partnership, emphasizing that events like these reinforce the bonds among nations and underscore a collective commitment to a more peaceful and interconnected world.
