BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 16.
Azerbaijan’s chairmanship of the Conference on Interaction and
Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) has become a
significant milestone in terms of the organization’s institutional
development, the expansion of dialogue among member states, and the
strengthening of practical cooperation, political analyst Azer
Garayev told Trend.


According to him, the 7th Summit held in Baku on October 15,
while showcasing the results of the activities Azerbaijan has
undertaken in this regard, has once again reaffirmed the country's
growing role in regional processes.


He pointed out that Azerbaijan, situated at the crossroads of
Asia and Europe, possesses favorable opportunities to bring
together diverse regions, as well as various political and economic
interests. Leveraging these advantages, Baku focuses on
strengthening mutual trust within the framework of the CICA,
developing transport links, advancing digitalization, protecting
the environment, and expanding cooperation in other areas.


"The core focus of Azerbaijan’s chairmanship for the 2024–2026
period is defined by the theme "A Stronger CICA: Connectivity,
Digitalization, and Sustainable Development in Asia." This approach
extends the organization's activities beyond mere political
dialogue, encompassing the development of concrete projects and
joint initiatives among member states.


At the summit, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev outlined the
fundamental principles of Azerbaijan’s foreign policy, stating:
"Azerbaijan consistently pursues an independent foreign policy
based on the principles of sovereign equality, non-interference in
internal affairs, and the priority of the territorial integrity and
sovereignty of states."


This stance aligns directly with the very essence of CICA. The
effective functioning of a platform that unites states with diverse
political and economic interests depends, first and foremost, on
the principles of respect for sovereignty, equal participation, and
mutual trust. During Azerbaijan’s chairmanship, the promotion of
these specific principles has laid a vital foundation for expanding
cooperation within the organization. At a time when divergences in
international relations are on the rise, the importance of
platforms where states can discuss common issues is growing even
further," Garayev stressed.


The analyst noted that strengthening CICA was one of the primary
objectives set during Azerbaijan's chairmanship.


"According to President Ilham Aliyev, as a result of initiatives
implemented with the support of member states, the organization has
strengthened both institutionally and legally; its membership has
grown, and opportunities for dialogue and cooperation have
expanded. The fact that member states supported the proposal to
extend Azerbaijan's chairmanship for another two years serves as an
indicator of the value placed on the work carried out by our
country.


One of the significant outcomes of the summit held in Baku was
the admission of Laos as a new member state of the CICA. This
decision contributes to the expansion of the organization's
geographical reach and enhances opportunities for cooperation among
countries representing various parts of Asia. An increase in the
number of members strengthens the CICA's potential as a platform
for regional dialogue and creates broader possibilities for
addressing common challenges," he pointed out.


Garayev added that Azerbaijan's efforts were also highly
commended by the leaders of other member states.


“President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev expressed his
gratitude for the effective work carried out during Azerbaijan’s
chairmanship and emphasized that the country’s international
standing has grown under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev.
He also noted that they highly value the continuation of
Azerbaijan’s chairmanship of CICA.


President of Israel Isaac Herzog also expressed a positive view
of Azerbaijan’s activities within the framework of the
organization. He stated that, under the leadership of President
Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan has become a key pillar for stability,
economic development, and the strengthening of relations with
countries in the region.


Herzog specifically highlighted that, during a period of
heightened tension, Azerbaijan has directed the focus of the CICA
(Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in
Asia) toward dialogue, partnership, and the promotion of common
prosperity. His remarks reflect the essence of Azerbaijan’s
chairmanship: maintaining contact between states with diverse
interests and expanding opportunities for joint action.


In addition to economic and transport ties, issues such as
digitalization and sustainable development occupy a significant
place on the CICA agenda. These areas align with the priorities of
Azerbaijan’s regional policy. The country is actively involved in
developing transport and logistics links between East and West,
supports the expansion of digital connectivity, and contributes to
enhancing cooperation in the energy sector. Promoting this
experience within the CICA framework could open up new prospects
for cooperation among member states.


The Baku Declaration, adopted at the summit, is also of great
importance in defining the future directions of the organization’s
activities. The document highlights issues such as respect for
international law, the sovereign equality and territorial integrity
of states, the peaceful resolution of disputes, security, economic
cooperation, and joint action in response to environmental
challenges. Furthermore, the adoption of a separate statement on
occupational health and safety demonstrates that this cooperation
also encompasses specific social spheres," Garayev added.


The analyst emphasized that the significance of Azerbaijan's
chairmanship of the CICA extends beyond the mere organization of
events.


"The core issue is to strengthen political trust among member
states, align mutual interests, and translate dialogue into
practical outcomes. In this regard, the summit held in Baku serves
as a continuation of the mission our country has undertaken.


The support expressed for the extension of Azerbaijan's
chairmanship for another two years provides our country with the
opportunity to put forward new initiatives and further advance the
work already underway. In the coming period, key objectives will
include expanding the institutional capabilities of the CICA,
strengthening transport and digital connectivity, and promoting
projects that serve the common interests of the member states.


Thus, Azerbaijan’s activities within the CICA framework
demonstrate the country’s contribution to regional cooperation and
its proactive stance on international platforms. The Baku Summit
represents another significant milestone in the organization’s
evolution toward becoming a more robust mechanism for dialogue and
cooperation," he concluded.