The key facts
- Mirziyoyev proposed a Concept of trust infrastructure in Asia, an Asian initiative on AI, and a Climate Resilience Partnership
- Uzbekistan is ready to host a Forum on Human Capital Development and will host the 20th summit of the Non-Aligned Movement
- Azerbaijan's candidacy for CICA Secretary General and its chairmanship until 2028 were supported
Address at the Summit in Baku
President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev on October 15 spoke at the seventh summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA) taking place in Baku, his press service reported. CICA was established in 1992 and unites 28 member states, 9 observer countries and 5 international organizations. The summit was also attended by the presidents of Israel, Laos, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, the Emir of Qatar, and the heads of foreign policy agencies of a number of countries, including Russia, Turkey, China, India and others.
On Conflicts and Security
Mirziyoyev expressed particular concern over armed conflicts in various parts of Asia, noting that their consequences extend beyond the zones of confrontation, damage the global economy and affect the lives of millions of people. He stated that all conflicts must be resolved exclusively by peaceful means, through political and diplomatic instruments, on the basis of international law. Separately, he expressed concern over the confrontation in the Middle East and the humanitarian situation in Gaza, calling for the earliest restoration of peace in the region. "When dialogue weakens, the risk of wrong decisions grows," the president emphasized.
Concept of Trust Infrastructure
The main goal of CICA, in Mirziyoyev's view, should be the formation of an integral trust infrastructure in Asia — a sustainable system of relations based on predictable actions and the fulfillment of commitments. He proposed developing a corresponding Concept, defining in it the main directions of CICA's development and concrete measures to enhance connectivity: joint transport and energy projects, trade, digital communications, cultural and humanitarian exchanges. "Trust between states must become a constant and solid foundation of our relations, regardless of the current political situation," he noted.
Initiatives on AI and Climate
The president put forward an Asian initiative on technological trust and the responsible use of artificial intelligence. To advance it, he proposed creating within CICA an expert platform for developing common recommendations. According to him, AI opens up opportunities but at the same time creates significant risks, and digital progress must benefit all countries. He also proposed establishing a Climate Resilience Partnership for the joint introduction of water-saving technologies, the development of green energy and continuous monitoring of the state of the environment.
Education and the Non-Aligned Movement
As coordinator of the CICA Human Dimension, Uzbekistan is ready to hold next year a Forum on Human Capital Development dedicated to opportunities for youth and women, access to quality education and the protection of human rights in the context of digital transformation. Mirziyoyev also proposed developing a CICA Action Program for the next two years. He recalled that next year Uzbekistan will host the twentieth summit of the Non-Aligned Movement and will chair the organization until 2030, inviting participants to Tashkent.
Organizational Matters
In concluding his address, Mirziyoyev supported strengthening the organizational foundations of CICA and work on its charter, emphasizing the importance of the practical implementation of initiatives. He congratulated Laos on obtaining the status of a CICA member state, supported the candidacy of Azerbaijan's representative for the post of Secretary General of the Conference and welcomed the Azerbaijani side's intention to continue its chairmanship until 2028.
