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Distinguished Alibek Bakayev, esteemed colleagues from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan,
It is my pleasure to welcome you to the Secretariat of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA).
Today’s meeting is especially significant as we have come together to mark two important occasions that highlight the outstanding role of the Republic of Kazakhstan within CICA. Namely, the handing over of the instrument of ratification of the Protocol on Amendments and Additions to the Host Country Agreement and a symbolic check representing Kazakhstan's voluntary contribution to the Secretariat’s budget.
First of all, the Protocol’s ratification represents a major step toward aligning the working conditions and the terms of location of the Secretariat in the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan with international standards, including those established within the UN system. By doing so, we have implemented Cluster 3 of the Road Map for CICA Transformation, which brings us closer to our strategic goal of transforming CICA into a full-fledged international organization.
Allow me to express my deep appreciation to President of the Republic of Kazakhstan His Excellency Mr. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev for his strategic vision and unwavering support of the processes aimed at strengthening multilateral cooperation in Asia. Special appreciation is reserved for Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Murat Nurtleu for his personal assistance and steadfast commitment to the development and transformation of CICA. And I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to you, distinguished Minister Bakayev, and your entire team for your all-round support of the organization’s activities, as well as for your constructive and efficient work on agreeing the amendments to the Host Country Agreement.
The second important reason for today’s ceremony is the transfer of a check symbolizing Kazakhstan’s voluntary contribution to the Secretariat’s budget. The Republic of Kazakhstan remains a constant, reliable and generous donor to our budget: the lion’s share of voluntary contributions comes from Kazakhstan.
Kazakhstan also holds the leading position in the secondment of personnel to the CICA Secretariat. All this is evidence of Kazakhstan’s special, in many ways unique role in supporting our organization.
It is especially important to note that the Republic of Kazakhstan provides favourable conditions for the Secretariat’s activity not only through legal frameworks – such as international agreements – but also in practice. As you are aware, under the instructions of President Tokayev, the construction of the new CICA headquarters in Astana is well underway and nearing completion. This unique building will be the first of its kind in CICA’s history and will stand as a symbol of a new era for the organization. The inauguration is scheduled for early July this year. In this regard, I especially look forward to our next meeting at the new headquarters, which I am confident will become a true home for multilateral dialogue in Asia.
Let me once again extend my gratitude to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan for its invaluable support, strategic vision and constructive engagement at every stage of this process. Special recognition is due to the entire team at the Ministry for their outstanding professionalism and dedication.
Thank you for your participation and trust. I am confident that new, equally effective and meaningful stages of cooperation lie ahead of us.
Thank you.
