Excellencies,
Distinguished Ministers
Representatives of ECO Member States, Observer States and International organizations,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is indeed a great honour and privilege to represent the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA) at the 27th ECO Council of Ministers (COM) Meeting in the culturally and spiritually revered city of Shusha. Shusha, a place of profound significance for all Azerbaijani, stands as the cradle of art and music within the Turkic world. Shusha was recently bestowed with the prestigious title of “Cultural Capital of the Turkic World 2023”.
Let me extend my heartfelt appreciation to the Republic of Azerbaijan for the gracious welcome extended to us in the historic city of Shusha. I also convey my sincere thanks and gratitude to the government of Azerbaijan for the organization of this significant Ministerial meeting.
Asia stands out as a highly diverse region on the global stage, characterized by a multitude of factors such as variable population densities, abundant natural resources, a rich historical legacy, and vibrant civilizations & cultures. At the same time, Asia is at the centre of global geopolitical developments. Asia has historically been inflicted with regional power struggles and socio-economic challenges.
Despite formidable challenges and obstacles, Asia possesses vast potential for addressing its needs and resolving misunderstandings between States through dialogue and cooperation. Multi-lateral organizations can play a pivotal role in promoting peace, security, stability, and prosperity within the region. Multilateralism is not an option - it is the most practical way to a peaceful coexistence of human civilizations. Effective multilateralism is in the interest of all countries, regardless of their size or strength. It is high time to reinvigorate multilateral mechanisms as a means to achieve the common goal of sustainable economic development and prosperity in the region.
The vision of the Economic Cooperation Organization is to promote economic growth, trade cooperation, sustainable development and foster regional stability among its Member States. Over the decades, the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) has consistently demonstrated its praiseworthy contributions to building trust among the nations within our region. ECO has consistently strived to create a favourable environment for regional growth and prosperity. We commend the ECO for its dedicated efforts in facilitating and promoting economic relations among Asian countries, even in the face of disruptions to supply chains and shared concerns about geopolitical tensions.
CICA's primary goal is to promote peace, security, and stability in Asia. CICA has been actively engaged in promoting confidence-building measures in various priority areas such as trade and investment, energy security, transport and connectivity, environmental protection and tourism etc.
As we all know, connectivity has become an urgent need in light of new challenges and opportunities. The development of sustainable transport connectivity will surge import and export opportunities and give access to capital, goods, and services between countries. The CICA Secretariat fully supports the initiative of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan on the CICA Council on Sustainable Connectivity. CICA is also promoting cooperation in the areas of energy security, especially, sustainable and green energy and in the environmental aspects. The approaches and activities of CICA are in line with the ECO theme for the year 2023-Green Transition and Interconnectivity, Priority of Azerbaijan Chairmanship and the ECO Vision 2025.
We firmly believe that strengthening economic ties and enhancing trade can significantly contribute to our common goal of economic development. CICA stands ready to support initiatives that promote trade facilitation, investment, and regional economic development. Collaboration on transport and energy connectivity, and cooperation in environmental aspects, can lead to shared prosperity. We believe that sharing best practices and collaborating efforts can contribute to a more secure and prosperous region.
Afghanistan is now facing one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. The country is already in the grip of severe food insecurity and economic instability. The recent earthquake has intensified the suffering, causing immense destruction to the lives and possessions of the Afghan people. Hundreds are now in desperate need of essential provisions such as sustenance, clothing, shelter, and medical aid. The UN World Food Programme is already extending its support to vulnerable communities. I earnestly implore the international community to unite in solidarity and provide assistance to those affected by the earthquake.
In today's intricate and interconnected global landscape, it is imperative that regional organizations like CICA and ECO collaborate and strengthen synergies to tackle the multifaceted challenges which range from economic disparities to climate change, from security concerns to the promotion of sustainable development. Cooperation among our organizations and Member States is essential to finding effective solutions for these urgent issues.
CICA attaches great importance to its relationship with ECO. I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate my appreciation to the Government of Azerbaijan and the ECO Secretariat for their successful organization of this crucial meeting. CICA reaffirms its commitment to working in close partnership with the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) to promote peace, stability, and economic development within our region. By harnessing the collective strength of our organizations and Member States, we can surmount the challenges ahead and capitalize on the opportunities that promise a brighter future.
Thank you, Excellency, for your attention.
Shusha, Azerbaijan, 10 October 2023
