Bangkok, - CICA Secretary General Kairat Sarybay embarked on a series of pivotal meetings during his visit to Thailand to participate in the 80th Session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP) from 22 to 24 April 2024.
Secretary General Sarybay had the honor of meeting with Saleumxay Kommasith, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Laos, discussing the latest developments within CICA and the role of regional partnerships. Secretary General Sarybay extended best wishes for Laos' successful ASEAN 2024 Chairmanship and explored avenues for deeper Laos involvement in CICA.
Ambassador Sarybay also engaged in an insightful dialogue with the Executive Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of China Ma Zhaoxu on CICA’s ongoing organizational transformation, the synergy of CICA goals and China’s Global Initiatives, and mediation potential of CICA Member States. The discussion underscored the significance of bolstering cooperation globally and in Asia, with a focus on connectivity, development, and youth empowerment. Ambassador Sarybay also praised China's input to CICA’s institutional development and its continued support for CICA's endeavors through voluntary financial, material contributions, seconding experienced diplomats to the Secretariat, and active leadership in the implementation of Confidence Building Measures in several priority areas.
A fruitful conversation on a wide range of CICA related matters also took place between Secretary General and Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of Thailand Sihasak Phuangketkeow, highlighting Thailand's active promotion of sustainable development within CICA. Both parties pledged tangible steps to foster cooperation, particularly in sectors such as tourism and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Secretary General further called on Thailand to complete the ratification of the 2010 CICA Convention on Privileges and Immunities of the Secretariat. The parties touched upon the prospects of CICA-ASEAN engagement as well.
The CICA Secretary General also commended the productive exchange with Deputy Director Wattanawit Kachaseni of Thailand International Cooperation Agency, acknowledging TICA's pivotal role in implementing CICA's Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) and sharing knowledge among Member States. The discussion also highlighted the valuable experience of TICA in the expected operationalization of the CICA Fund.
Ambassador Sarybay also had an opportunity to congratulate the Institute of Asian Studies on being nominated to the CICA Think Tank Forum (TTF). In conversation with its Deputy Director Jirayudh Sinthuphan Secretary General highlighted key tasks of the TTF for this year, including its regular Session to be held by the current Chair - Shanghai Institutes for International Studies, as well as organization of smaller thematic analytical seminars and targeted projects.
During his visit to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, the CICA Secretary General extended his congratulations to a young diplomat Ms Papichaya Leenapaesanan for her outstanding achievement in the CICA essay competition among youth researchers held under the theme “The Future of Asia We Want: Ideas for the CICA Region” and encouraged her to be seconded to the CICA Secretariat.
Secretary General Sarybay also met with BIMSTEC Secretary-General Indra Mani Pandey, emphasizing the importance of regional partnerships in promoting multilateralism and accelerating the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Asia. The discussion focused on enhancing connectivity and addressing common challenges in the region.
