Your Excellencies,

Ladies and gentlemen,

It’s gratifying to welcome so many of You at this historic momentous – Planting of the Alley of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia in the city of Nur-Sultan.

In our daily routines, in the middle of this dynamic city, we all need regular reminders of our connection with nature. It is obviously important not to forget about the essential role of tree-planting actions for our healthy planet.

Therefore, I would like to express my gratitude to the Sustainable Development Earth Foundation for this meaningful opportunity and my appreciation to the Municipality of the city of Nur-Sultan and to the Mayor’s Office of Almaty District for their support.

I find it quite symbolic that for the 30th anniversary of the forum in 2022, 30 seedlings of the Red Rowan will be planted in the CICA Alley in the foothills of the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation as the manifestation of peace, fertility and well-being.

Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, known as the place for the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religious, which was innitiated by the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev, as well as the idea to convene CICA.

The time has shown, the principles of peaceful coexistence of different religions, harmony within the multiethnic society and reapproachment of varoius cultures are possible, if there exist mutual respect, understanding and good will of people.

The same is possible to ensure peace and security in Asia, if CICA Member States jointly perform their courage to affirm the new role of Asia in global affairs.

Today’s inauguration of the Alley on behalf of the 27 CICA Member States and Observer States in the heart of Eurasia is a humble contribution of our common forum in reaching UN Sustainable Development Goals.

I wish the CICA Alley will grow with its’ new Members and Observer States, and all of you will take care after your planted trees and invite your guests to visit this Alley.