BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 16. The extension of
Azerbaijan’s chairmanship of the Conference on Interaction and
Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA) for another two years
reflects the country’s international standing, its contribution to
the development of multilateral diplomacy, and the high level of
trust it has earned internationally, MP Soltan Mammadov told
Trend.


The MP said that the adoption of such a decision, at a time when
geopolitical processes within the modern system of international
relations are becoming increasingly complex and mutual trust
between states is weakening, is a direct result of the far-sighted
foreign policy pursued by Azerbaijan.


According to him, while developing its relations with countries
around the world, Azerbaijan also distinguishes itself through its
high-level engagement within international organizations, putting
forward exemplary initiatives aimed at fostering peace, stability,
and development. These initiatives are highly valued by individual
states and across the international community.


Mammadov pointed out that Azerbaijan’s chairmanship of CICA for
the 2024–2026 period was marked by a high level of organizational
activity, concrete initiatives, and institutional achievements.


"During this period, CICA’s Women’s Council and Finance Council
were established, and the Partnership Network of Leading
Universities was launched. These initiatives have helped expand
cooperation within the organization into new areas, strengthen ties
among member states, and bolster mutual trust," the MP
emphasized.


He noted that the extension of Azerbaijan’s chairmanship creates
new opportunities to consolidate the institutional achievements
made so far and continue the initiatives that have been
launched.


According to the MP, the participation of numerous heads of
state and government in the 7th CICA Summit, held in Baku on
October 15 under Azerbaijan’s chairmanship, underscores the event’s
significance.


"The summit serves as a vital platform for broadening political
dialogue among member states, strengthening mutual trust, and
discussing pressing issues related to regional cooperation,"
Mammadov said.


He expressed confidence that Azerbaijan’s chairmanship over the
next two years will lay the foundation for a new stage in the
organization’s development, focusing on connectivity,
digitalization, and sustainable development in Asia.


The MP highlighted that Azerbaijan’s emergence as a key regional
connectivity hub, facilitated by the East-West and North-South
transport corridors, as well as strategic projects reshaping the
global energy landscape, will make a significant contribution to
achieving this goal.


Mammadov added that the successful implementation of the
country’s Digital Development Concept and Action Plan, the
Artificial Intelligence Strategy, and various state programs
covering social, economic, and environmental issues within the
framework of "Azerbaijan 2030: National Priorities for
Socio-Economic Development" will support the achievement of the
goals set for Azerbaijan’s chairmanship.