Accra:During the 7th Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) Summit, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev proposed the development of a transport connectivity strategy to enhance regional cooperation. He highlighted the strategic location of the region at the crossroads of Eurasia, emphasizing its vast transport and connectivity potential. Shared corridors, he noted, are vital for fostering long-term trust between nations by linking economies and communities through roads, railways, and seaports.
According to Azeri-Press news agency, President Tokayev also welcomed the reconciliation process between Azerbaijan and Armenia, viewing it as a means to open new opportunities for East-West connectivity. He stressed that these developments, supported by CICA’s political will and economic potential, could lead to significant cross-border projects, such as the Belt and Road Initiative and other major transport routes.
In addition to transport connectivity, Tokayev addressed energy security concerns and the increasing frequency of supply chain disruptions. He proposed the establishment of a water cooperation platform among CICA countries, underscoring the need for joint efforts to protect the Caspian Sea’s ecology. This platform would aim to ensure that water resources remain a source of regional cooperation, especially in light of the Asia-Pacific region’s limited water availability compared to its large population.
The President emphasized the urgency of addressing water scarcity and ecosystem degradation in Asia, proposing a Water Partnership Platform to facilitate technology exchanges and the implementation of water-saving solutions.