The Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) remains a unique platform for promoting security and building trust across Asia through direct dialogue. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev highlighted this during his address at the 7th CICA Summit. Kazakhstan initiated the establishment of the forum more than 30 years ago. Today, CICA member states cover 90 percent of Asia’s territory and represent more than half of the world's population. Tokayev emphasized that this scale reflects the organization’s vast potential, which must be harnessed. He stressed that CICA must advance a model of security built on consistent dialogue and productive consultations.
«Our organization has much to offer in peaceful settlement of disputes, disarmament and peacebuilding that matters today more than ever. Working alongside the United Nations, Shanghai Cooperation Organization, CIS and other international institutions, CICA should take more active part in bridging differences across Asia and beyond. Therefore, we urge member states to translate our collective political will into concrete initiatives that lead to tangible results. As a practical step, we propose to launch a Mechanism for Preventive Diplomacy,» Tokayev said.
Confidence-building measures must also extend to the digital sphere. Today, AI capabilities are advancing faster than international regulations. In this context, Tokayev welcomed the Accord on Superintelligence signed in Washington, D.C. The document could serve as the basis for an international treaty under the auspices of the UN.
«I believe that CICA can greatly contribute to this process. As part of our global effort in this field, Kazakhstan will harbor the UN ESCAP Asia-Pacific Digital Solutions Centre for Sustainable Development in Almaty. I hope CICA member-states will join the work of this Centre to shape our region’s digital future together,» Tokayev added.
CICA can contribute to the implementation of major cross-border projects. Tokayev proposed to jointly draft a CICA Transport Connectivity Strategy. This would help explore the potential of regional transport routes, including the Middle Corridor. He also emphasized the importance of energy security, highlighting partnership as a key priority. Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan are developing the Caspian Green Energy Corridor, which will link their power systems and connect them to European markets. The President also outlined plans to work with Azerbaijan to increase shipments of Kazakh oil through the Baku–Tbilisi–Ceyhan pipeline.
«It is evident that the Caspian Sea is gaining vital importance for energy security, both in our region and globally. Kazakhstan strongly believes that the Caspian Sea must remain a place of peace and cooperation for the benefit of all nations in the region and beyond provided that this unique Sea will be saved by joint efforts in terms of water and ecology,» the President said.
Kazakhstan advocates for water resources to remain a source of cooperation. Tokayev proposed creating a CICA Water Partnership. This initiative would promote technology exchange, joint research and the adoption of water-saving solutions. Tokayev also emphasized the importance of cooperation in education and science. Kazakhstan is ready to provide scholarships to students and grants to researchers from CICA member states. Meanwhile, CICA continues to expand, with Laos joining the organization.
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