New york: The informal meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA) was convened under the Chairmanship of the Republic of Azerbaijan on the sidelines of the high-level week of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly. The meeting allowed Foreign Ministers and senior representatives of CICA Member States to evaluate progress under Azerbaijan’s chairmanship since December 2024 and discuss pressing regional and international issues.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov delivered opening remarks, emphasizing the Chairmanship’s strategic priorities, including connectivity, digitalization, and sustainability. He highlighted efforts in the institutional development of CICA and its transformation into a fully-fledged international organization. Key initiatives such as the operationalization of CICA’s Partnership Network of Leading Universities, the successful CICA Business Council and Business Forum, and the 13th CICA Think Tank Forum were underscored.
Minister Bayramov also introduced significant initiatives like the establishment of the CICA Women Council and the progress in forming the CICA Finance Summit. These advisory bodies aim to enhance thematic cooperation among Member States. The CICA Secretary-General and heads of delegations praised Azerbaijan’s leadership, vision, and commitment to strengthening CICA.
Member States commended Azerbaijan’s efforts in promoting institutionalization and fostering result-oriented interaction within CICA. They acknowledged Azerbaijan’s initiatives in advancing key projects that enhance CICA’s effectiveness in dialogue, confidence-building, and multilateral engagement across Asia.
The meeting culminated with landmark decisions, including the establishment of the CICA Finance Summit and the CICA Women Council. The Ministerial Council adopted statements commemorating the 80th anniversaries of the end of World War II and the United Nations, reaffirming commitment to multilateralism and emphasizing CICA’s role in promoting peace, security, and sustainable development.
The Republic of Azerbaijan, holding CICA chairmanship since December 2024, continues its leadership under the motto ‘Stronger CICA: Connectivity, Digitalization and Sustainable Growth in Asia,’ prioritizing dialogue and result-oriented cooperation in the CICA region.