Your Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,
At the outset, I would like to thank the organizers for extending an invitation and providing the opportunity to take part in this discussion.
CICA extends its unique geographic representation across 28 member states, spanning from the Pacific Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea, and from the Arctic to the Indian Ocean. Its comprehensive agenda, comprising economic, environmental, human, new challenges and threats, and military-political dimensions, alongside its inclusive membership, allows other regional and subregional organizations, whose members are part of CICA, to align their approaches and agendas on a pan-Asian scale.
CICA's advantages, including its pragmatic approach to cooperation without internal blocs, position it favorably within the regional cooperation framework. The Catalogue of Confidence Building Measures serves as a blueprint for fostering trust and collaboration between member states. It complements other regional formats like the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the Economic Cooperation Organization, the Organization of Turkic States, and many others.
For instance, the SCO, with its nine members which are also members of CICA, holds a crucial role in regional security, particularly in countering terrorism and defense, areas that could benefit from CICA's amplification.
Globalization has expanded the interests of Arab States in Asia beyond its western parts. The Arab League can utilize CICA to engage with other Asian countries across various international relations dimensions simultaneously.
Yesterday, at this well-timed Antalya Diplomacy Forum, I engaged in discussions with Ambassador Khusrav Noziri, the Secretary-General of the Economic Cooperation Organization, which includes ten member states. All these states are members of CICA, except for Turkmenistan, which holds observer status. We explored synergies in trade and tourism, and avenues to expand the number of observers.
In other words, connectivity lies at the core of CICA.
Kazakhstan, the current Chair of CICA, proposed establishing the Council of Sustainable Connectivity to address contemporary challenges to global supply chains. The concept paper for this Council, discussed during the CICA Experts meeting on 29 February, attracted participants from over half of CICA's member states. Discussions revolved around narrowing the Council's mandate to transportation routes and logistics or widening it to include sustainable development, renewable energy, and economic sustainability.
The Eurasian region presents numerous challenges and opportunities that shape collaboration among nations. CICA serves as a cornerstone for pan-Asian cooperation, providing a platform for dialogue and collaboration.
Initiatives like the CICA Council on Sustainable Connectivity underscore the region's commitment to fostering tangible cooperation and synergy. Addressing economic challenges and fostering connectivity across Eurasia through joint development of transportation corridors and small and medium-sized enterprises is pivotal.
Another initiative within CICA, highlighting its goal to promote connectivity among member states, is the research conducted by the CICA Think Tank forum on national approaches for small and medium-sized businesses. This research aims to enhance understanding and foster business expansion in the CICA region.
With more than 50% of the world population residing in CICA member states, Asia is the most populated region and the youngest.
In May, Astana will host the Rally of Volunteer Movement Leaders and CICA Youth Council Meeting on Volunteerism.
Establishing the CICA partnership network among leading universities aims to facilitate regional academic exchanges.
Astana will host a Ministerial conference on environmental issues in August of this year. This event will provide a platform for a collective approach to addressing climate change challenges across our shared continent and beyond.
In conclusion, consolidating regional potentials leads to their multiplication, serving the interests of states across Eurasia. Through collective action, dialogue, and strategic partnerships, we can navigate challenges and seize opportunities for greater cooperation and prosperity, reflecting the strength of our diversity and paving the way for new dimensions of connectivity.
Thank you.
2 March 2024, Antalya
