Baku: The closing ceremony of the 13th meeting of the CICA Think Tank Forum, themed ‘Resonance of Development and Security: Regional Cooperation and Governance in the Institutional Transformation of CICA,’ took place in Baku on Wednesday. The event brought together experts, diplomats, and young people from various regions to engage in discussions.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, Farid Shafiyev, Chairman of the Board of the Center for Analysis of International Relations, emphasized the significance of the forum as a platform for dialogue. He highlighted Azerbaijan’s commitment to its upcoming chairmanship of CICA for 2024-2026, noting President Ilham Aliyev’s address to the forum participants as a testament to the importance placed on CICA.
Shafiyev expressed optimism about the productive discussions held during the sessions, stating that the ideas and proposals shared would greatly benefit CICA’s future activities. He also announced an additional event for young students following the forum’s closing ceremony.
Kairat Sarybay, Secretary General of CICA, remarked on the significance of hosting the forum in Baku, especially just before the Formula 1 event. He emphasized the organization’s focus on regional issues, sustainable development, and economic matters, advocating for a joint agenda and mutual respect in future cooperation.
Chen Dongxiao, President of the Shanghai Institutes of International Studies, highlighted the importance of President Aliyev’s address, which reinforced the event’s significance. He advocated for enhancing the platform to foster greater cooperation for the region’s future.
The two-day forum, co-organized by the Center for Analysis of International Relations and CICA, included discussions on security management in Asia, supply chain developments, strengthening Eurasian transport corridors, and enhancing CICA’s institutional capacity.