Kazakh President discusses Asian security with CICA Secretariat Executive Director

Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev recently stated that the transformation of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-building Measures in Asia (CICA) into a full-fledged international organization is a priority goal of the country's presidency in the organization.

Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev recently stated that the transformation of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-building Measures in Asia (CICA) into a full-fledged international organization is a priority goal of the country's presidency in the organization. Tokayev made this announcement during a meeting with the Executive Director of the CICA Secretariat Kairat Sarybay on April 14, The Astana Times reported citing Akorda Press.

The Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia is an inter-governmental forum for enhancing cooperation towards promoting peace, security, and stability in Asia. Tokayev proposed transforming CICA into a full-fledged international organization during the meeting with the delegations participating in the meeting of Foreign Ministers in Nur-Sultan in October 2021.

Meanwhile, Sarybay spoke about the preparation for the sixth CICA Summit which will be held on October 12-13 in the Kazakh capital. He noted the important results of the meeting of the Senior Officials Committee held on March 30. According to The Astana Times, the member states supported the proposals voiced during Kazakhstan's Chairmanship in CICA and discussed prospects for a gradual process of transformation at the sixth CICA Summit.

Sarybai reported on the planned events, including the fifth meeting of the CICA Business Council, the Business Forum and the meeting of the CICA Youth Council, and the implementation of projects to mark the 30th anniversary of the CICA. The CICA Business Council and Business Forum will be held as part of the Astana Financial Days scheduled for June. Prior to this meeting, CICA Executive Director also met with Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Foreign Affairs Mukhtar Tileuberdi, who reported the organization's press service.

The sides exchanged views on the priorities of Kazakhstan's Chairmanship in CICA and the progress of the implementation of confidence-building measures. They confirmed their intention "to work closely to promote the initiatives of Kazakhstan's Chairmanship across the CICA's security agenda as well as to increase the visibility of CICA in the international arena," according to the release.

CICA is a multi-national forum for enhancing cooperation toward promoting peace, security, and stability in Asia. It has 27 member states including Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Egypt, and India. The CICA's establishment was proposed by Kazakhstan's First President Nursultan Nazarbayev in 1992. This year marks the 30th anniversary of this important initiative for a consolidated platform of security dialogue in Asia. 

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