The President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, attended the official opening ceremony of the new headquarters of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA), located in Astana. Together with CICA Secretary General Kairat Sarybay, the Head of State unveiled a commemorative plaque and observed the flag-raising ceremony performed by the honor guard.
The President familiarized himself in detail with the new office facilities, including the chairmanship hall, staff offices, open space area, interpreters’ office, and the museum-library area showcasing CICA’s history and achievements.
Addressing the diplomatic community, Tokayev emphasized that since ancient times Kazakhstan has adhered to the principles of “steppe diplomacy,” based on respect, open dialogue, and mutual understanding. According to the President, these values remain the foundation of the country’s foreign policy.
The Head of State noted that the opening of CICA’s headquarters in Astana is a significant historical step reflecting Kazakhstan’s contribution to strengthening confidence-building measures and security on the Asian continent. He recalled that the idea of establishing CICA was proposed by Kazakhstan over 30 years ago and was supported by the international community as a timely initiative to consolidate efforts in the region.
The President stressed that CICA, covering nearly 90% of Asia’s territory and representing more than half of the world’s population, plays a key role in shaping a new architecture of international security and dialogue.
Furthermore, Tokayev highlighted the growing geopolitical risks and the weakening of multilateral principles, underlining the need for strict adherence to international law and the UN Charter.
The Head of State spoke about the political and economic reforms being implemented in Kazakhstan: improvement of the law on peaceful assemblies, lowering the threshold for party registration, decriminalization of defamation, and abolition of the death penalty. He especially emphasized the importance of the principle of “Law and Order” for the country’s further development.
The President drew attention to the modernization of transport and energy infrastructure, digital transformation, and the introduction of artificial intelligence. He highlighted the launch of a supercomputer and the creation of the AI Development Council as important steps towards building a digital state.
Tokayev also singled out the development of agriculture as a strategic area contributing to economic diversification and food security. He confirmed Kazakhstan’s commitment to climate goals and sustainable development, and emphasized the important role of international partners in these processes.
In conclusion, the President wished success to all CICA participants in their future work and expressed special gratitude to Azerbaijan for its effective chairmanship and its contribution to the institutional development of the organization, stressing its significant role in strengthening dialogue and trust across Asia.
