Astana, Kazakhstan - 23 May 2024 - The Secretariat of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) hosted a ceremony on 23 May 2024, where Türkiye made a voluntary contribution to the 2024 budget of the CICA Secretariat.
A symbolic cheque was handed over to CICA Secretary General Kairat Sarybay by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Türkiye to the Republic of Kazakhstan, Mr. Mustafa Kapucu.
Türkiye is the third-largest contributor to the CICA budget among 28 CICA Member States, providing voluntary contributions on a regular basis.
Speaking at the ceremony, the CICA Secretary General expressed gratitude to the Government of Türkiye for this significant gesture and highlighted Türkiye's role as a founding member and a steadfast partner, contributing to the institutionalization of CICA. Türkiye played a crucial role in establishing the CICA Think Tank Forum by convening the inaugural meeting of think tanks from CICA Member States in 2010, and in establishing the CICA Business Council during its Chairmanship in 2010-2014.
Ambassador Sarybay emphasized Türkiye's invaluable contribution to implementing Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) within CICA through its annual seminars for law enforcement agencies. “CICA, with its diverse membership, holds significant potential as a unique outreach platform for advancing Türkiye's foreign policy initiative "Asia Anew" – stated the CICA Secretary General.
Ambassador Kapucu stated that the financial contribution is a testament to Türkiye's unwavering commitment to the principles and goals of CICA. He highlighted that by supporting CICA, Türkiye is investing in a more secure and prosperous future for the region. This contribution will help strengthen CICA's initiatives and projects, further promoting CBMs and cooperation among Member States.
Türkiye's "Asia Anew" initiative, launched as a pivotal element of the national foreign policy, underscores the country's dedication to deepening ties with Asian countries across various sectors, including political, economic, cultural, and social domains.
“In line with the "Asia Anew" policy, Türkiye fully supports CICA's transformation into a full-fledged organization. This evolution is believed to enhance CICA's capacity to address regional challenges more effectively and facilitate comprehensive cooperation among its members.” – stated Ambassador Kapucu.
