Address by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan at the Seventh Summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia

Dear Mr. Ilham Heydar oglu!

Distinguished Heads of state and delegations!

Ladies and Gentlemen!

I am sincerely delighted to be once again in the hospitable land of Azerbaijan and to extend my greetings to all participants of the Seventh Summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia.

First of all, I would like to thank the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, esteemed Ilham Heydar oglu Aliyev, for the warm welcome and the excellent arrangements for this summit.

We sincerely pleased that, even in these challenging times, Azerbaijan is developing dynamically under your strong leadership, its international standing continues to grow, and prosperity of our brotherly people is steadily rising. This inspires in us a profound sense of respect for leadership of your country.

We also appreciate Azerbaijan’s Chairmanship, which has made our dialogue within CICA more substantive and fruitful.

Distinguished participants of the summit!

Today, the world is undergoing profound change. New threats and challenges are emerging that require us to work more closely together and develop joint solutions.

Armed conflicts and tensions in various parts of Asia are a matter of particular concern. Their consequences extend far beyond the areas of confrontation, affecting the security of entire regions, undermining the global economy, and impacting the lives of millions of people.

Our position remains unchanged. All conflicts and disagreements must be resolved only by peaceful means, through political and diplomatic efforts, on the basis of international law and respect for the interests of all parties. It is critically important to prevent their further escalation.

In this context, we are following with concern the confrontation in the Middle East and the humanitarian situation in Gaza. We call for the earliest possible restoration of peace and stability in the region.

When dialogue weakens, the risk of misguided decisions increases. Therefore, we must do everything possible to ensure that political disagreements do not escalate into armed confrontation.

This is precisely where CICA has a special role to play. I am convinced that its principal goal should be to build a comprehensive infrastructure of trust in Asia. This means creating a stable system of relations based on transparent and predictable actions and the fulfilment of all commitments undertaken. This will enable us to prevent conflicts in a timely manner and find mutually acceptable solutions.

In this regard, we propose the development of a Concept for Building an Infrastructure of Trust in Asia. It should define the key priorities for CICA’s long-term development and provide for specific measures to enhance connectivity and expand cooperation among states.

Of particular importance are joint transport and energy projects, the development of trade and digital links, and cultural and humanitarian exchanges.

Ultimately, trust between states must become a lasting and solid foundation for our relations, regardless of the prevailing political situation.

Distinguished Heads of delegations!

The present era also confronts us with new tasks, arising from rapid advances in technology and climate change.

Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming our daily lives. It opens up boundless opportunities, while at the same time creating significant risks.

We should do everything possible to ensure that digital progress benefits all countries and the gaps in technological development are narrowed.

To this end, we put forward the Asian Initiative on Technological Trust and the Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence. To advance this initiative, it would be advisable to establish an expert platform within CICA, where specialists from our countries could develop common recommendations and agree on practical measures.

At the same time, we believe that CICA can bring together the efforts of states to adapt to climate change.

We therefore propose establishing a Partnership for Climate Resilience. It will enable us to jointly introduce water-saving technologies, develop green energy and establish continuous monitoring of the environment.

In this way, we will be able to reduce potential risks and preserve natural resources for future generations.

Distinguished colleagues!

Uzbekistan as Coordinator of the CICA Human Dimension attaches great importance to developing educational, cultural and humanitarian ties.

We are ready to host, next year, a Forum on Human Development.

At this Forum, we plan to discuss new opportunities for young people and women, access to quality education, and the protection of human rights in the context of digital transformation.

To make our joint work in this area more consistent, we propose the development of a CICA Programme of Action for the next two years.

Distinguished participants in the summit!

Next year, Uzbekistan will host the Twentieth Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement and chair the organisation until 2030.

The Non-Aligned Movement and CICA share many common goals and principles. We expect the Summit in Tashkent to become an important milestone in strengthening international cooperation and preventing conflicts.

I invite everyone to participate in this forum.

Distinguished Heads of delegations!

In conclusion, I would like to emphasise that Uzbekistan supports further strengthening the institutional foundations of CICA and the work on its Charter. It is important that the initiatives put forward here be translated into practical action.

I take this opportunity to congratulate the esteemed President of Laos, His Excellency Mr. Thongloun Sisoulith, on his country’s attaining the status of a CICA Member State.

We support the nomination of Azerbaijan’s representative for the post of CICA Secretary General.

We welcome Azerbaijan’s intention to continue its Chairmanship of the Conference until 2028.

We wish it every success in fulfilling this important mission.