President of Uzbekistan proposes initiatives to build a comprehensive infrastructure of trust in Asia

The President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev participated in the Seventh Summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA), held in Baku.

The summit, chaired by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, was also attended by the President of the State of Israel Isaac Herzog, the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Amir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov, the President of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic Thongloun Sisoulith, the President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, heads of government and foreign ministers from Bangladesh, Bahrain, Vietnam, India, Cambodia, China, the United Arab Emirates, Palestine, Russia, Türkiye, and Sri Lanka, as well as senior officials from foreign countries and international organizations.

The Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) is an international forum established in 1992 that brings together 28 member states, nine observer countries, and five international organizations with observer status.

In accordance with the agenda, participants exchanged views on the international situation and prospects for expanding cooperation, and considered several procedural matters.

In his address at the Baku Summit, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev assessed the profound changes taking place in the world, which require closer cooperation and 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”, the Head of State emphasized.

He called for preventing further escalation of conflicts and disagreements and resolving them exclusively through peaceful means, using political and diplomatic methods based on international law and respect for the interests of all parties.

The special role of CICA in establishing a stable system of relations based on clear and predictable actions and the fulfillment of all commitments was highlighted.

In this regard, the Leader of Uzbekistan proposed developing a Concept for Building an Infrastructure of Trust in Asia, outlining key priorities and concrete measures to enhance connectivity and expand cooperation among countries.

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

It was emphasized that the current era also presents new challenges arising from rapid technological development 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”, the Head of State emphasized.

To this end, the Asian Initiative on Technological Trust and the Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence was proposed. To advance this initiative, it was also suggested that an expert platform be established within CICA, where specialists could develop common recommendations and coordinate practical measures.

In addition, a proposal was put forward to establish a Partnership for Climate Resilience to coordinate the efforts of CICA member states in adapting to climate change.

Taking into account Uzbekistan’s role as Coordinator of the CICA Human Dimension, the country expressed its readiness to host a Human Development Forum next year. The need to develop a CICA Programme of Action through 2028 was also emphasized.

In view of Uzbekistan’s forthcoming assumption of the chairmanship of the Non-Aligned Movement, an invitation was extended to participate in the organization’s 20th Summit, scheduled to take place in Tashkent next year.

Concluding his address, the President of Uzbekistan expressed support for strengthening CICA’s institutional framework and endorsed the candidacy of Azerbaijan’s representative for the post of Secretary General. He also welcomed Azerbaijan’s intention to continue its chairmanship of CICA.

The summit also featured addresses by heads of state and heads of delegations from participating countries and international organizations.