14 February 2024 – Astana - The Secretariat of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) hosted a working lunch with ambassadors of CICA Member States accredited in Astana, attended by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Alibek Bakayev as the representative of the Kazakhstan Chairmanship.
The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the role of CICA Member States’ diplomatic representatives in Astana in facilitating dialogue among Member States and exchange of information between their capitals and the CICA Secretariat, as well as their contribution to the ongoing CICA transformation process.
At the outset, Deputy Minister Alibek Bakayev updated the CICA diplomatic corps on major achievements of 2023 and ongoing CICA priorities. He stressed: “I am confident that following the large-scale transformation process, our renewed organization will find its unique place in the network of multilateral structures for security and cooperation in Asia.”
Secretary General K. Sarybay stated: “Most importantly, such informal meetings will serve as a supporting mechanism for consultations between Member States in addition to the existing governing and working bodies - the Senior Officials Committee and the Special Working Group.”
In his address, CICA Secretary General K. Sarybay emphasized the evolving roles of heads of diplomatic missions in Astana within the framework of the CICA transformation process. He highlighted that their engagement is important for enhancing the effectiveness of dialogue within CICA and fostering greater interaction and information exchange between the Member States and the Secretariat.
Over the last three years, various initiatives have been undertaken within CICA to promote sustained cooperation among ambassadors and heads of missions accredited in Astana, including events such as Iftar dinners, Bicycle Tours, Summer Parties, Ski Tours, Football Tournaments, Hiking Tours, and the creation of the CICA Alley. K. Sarybay stated: “Each of these events has created great pleasure and satisfaction of their participants by bringing together CICA family members.”
As the main outcome of the discussions, ambassadors of Member States and Deputy Minister Bakayev expressed support for the proposals of the CICA Secretary General on holding such informal meetings regularly, in order to further strengthen the effectiveness of political dialogue and cooperation within CICA. They provided a number of recommendations on this matter, and highlighted that such events would foster a stronger sense of community and solidarity within the organization, promoting the necessary synergy to advance the CICA agenda.
