Astana, 3 June 2025 – The Secretariat of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA), in cooperation with the Embassies of Turkmenistan and Tajikistan and the UN Resident Coordinator Office in Kazakhstan, hosted its annual CICA Bicycle Tour in the Astana Green Belt. Covering a distance of 40 kilometers, the event was held to mark World Bicycle Day, announced by the UN General Assembly in order to promote the universality of the bicycle as an affordable, reliable and environmentally friendly mode of transport.
Now in its fourth year, the tour has become a well-established tradition under the CICA flag, reinforcing the Secretariat’s continued efforts to promote healthy lifestyles, environmental consciousness, and informal dialogue through inclusive, community-oriented activities.
Participants included the CICA Secretary General, Ambassador Kairat Sarybay, the Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Kazakhstan, H.E. Batyr Rejepov, the Ambassador of Tajikistan to the Republic of Kazakhstan, H.E. Khayrullo Ibodzoda, and the Head of the UN Resident Coordinator Office in Kazakhstan, Mr. Kurtmolla Abdulganiyev. The event was also attended by members of the diplomatic corps and the international community in Astana, including the Ambassadors of Brazil, France, Malaysia and Uzbekistan, senior diplomats from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, and embassies of Russia, Belarus, Republic of Korea, and the United States, as well as the Head of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Office for Central Asia and representatives of other international organizations.
In his welcoming remarks, Ambassador Sarybay underscored the symbolic importance of holding the tour on World Bicycle Day and expressed appreciation to Turkmenistan for initiating this meaningful internationally recognized and respected day. He emphasized its continuity as a reflection of unity and shared commitment to sustainable development. The Secretary General recalled that the tour was first launched in 2022 to commemorate the 30th anniversary of CICA and has since evolved into a signature event of the Secretariat, with editions held both in the Astana Green Belt and the scenic Burabay region.
He highlighted the initiative’s alignment with the priorities of the current Azerbaijani Chairmanship, particularly in fostering people-to-people connections, strengthening trust and advancing climate diplomacy. Ambassador Sarybay also noted the strategic significance of the venue: the Astana Green Belt is not only a greening initiative but a comprehensive climate resilience project, recently presented by Kazakhstan at the 81st session of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific as a model for sustainable urban development.
H.E. Batyr Rejepov, Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Kazakhstan, highlighted that World Bicycle Day was established by the UN General Assembly on Turkmenistan’s initiative — reflecting the country’s active role in promoting global efforts for sustainable development, health and environmental protection. He noted that the Day is celebrated annually in Turkmenistan with mass cycling events, symbolizing the nation’s commitment to a clean and healthy lifestyle. Marking the 30th Anniversary of Turkmenistan’s Permanent Neutrality, he reaffirmed Turkmenistan’s dedication to peace, neighborly relations, and international dialogue. The Ambassador concluded by expressing hope that the event would inspire continued movement toward peace, sustainability and harmony.
Ambassador of the Republic of Tajikistan to Kazakhstan, H.E. Khayrullo Ibodzoda, highlighted the unifying power of sport and Tajikistan’s active role in promoting cycling at the international level. He noted the successful hosting of the UCI Mountain Bike Eliminator World Cup in Dushanbe in April 2025, which brought together athletes from 40 countries, as well as earlier events such as the 2022 Asian Cycling Confederation Congress and Asian Championships. Emphasizing sport as a source of health, discipline, and national progress, the Ambassador commended the CICA Bicycle Tour as a meaningful expression of shared values and solidarity through sport.
The event also featured remarks by Mr. Kurtmolla Abdulganiyev, Head of the UN Resident Coordinator Office in Kazakhstan, who highlighted cycling as a unifying force that transcends generations, cultures, and borders. He emphasized its benefits to health, urban sustainability, and emissions reduction — contributions directly tied to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Noting the proximity of World Environment Day, he underlined the broader relevance of the tour and called on the international community to promote the bicycle not only as a mode of transport, but also as a symbol of peace, cooperation, shared purpose, and environmental protection.
Through initiatives like the CICA Bicycle Tour, the Secretariat continues to contribute to public diplomacy, sustainability, and regional cooperation—helping advance the broader goals of confidence building and sustainable development across Asia.
