Makei participates in CICA ministerial meeting in Nur-Sultan
On October 11th-12th, Belarus’ Foreign Minister, Vladimir Makei, took part in the 6th ministerial meeting of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA) – as informed by the Belarusian Foreign Ministry’s press service
The event opened with a meeting with the President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
The Conference’s increasing global role in facilitating co-operation in Asia, enhancing security and confidence-building measures between countries was recognised during the plenary meeting. An initiative to transform the CICA into a full-fledged international organisation while preserving the fundamental principles of its functioning was supported.
In his speech, Vladimir Makei emphasised an increased international authority of the Conference and its important role in developing collective approaches to the solution of regional problems and co-ordination of positions on security issues in Asia.
Belarus’ Foreign Minister stressed that time has come to build up a global architecture of inclusive development that would – among other issues – promote partnerships with the largest players in Europe and Asia: the Eurasian Economic Union, the Shanghai Co-operation Organisation, the Collective Security Treaty Organisation, the Commonwealth of Independent States, the European Union and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Belarus' initiative to resume a wide dialogue on strengthening confidence-building, security and co-operation measures, as well as creation of a ‘digital good-neighbourliness’ belt develops along this avenue.
Mr. Makei noted the importance of the Asian region for Belarus where its trade and economic ties with the EAEU partners are intertwined, while close co-operation with the CSTO allies in ensuring collective security is in place.
As stated, Belarus is closely monitoring the situation in Afghanistan in the context of its impact on the situation and security in the CSTO member states. He emphasised the country’s interest in restoring peace and harmony in Afghanistan, taking the necessary measures to normalise the situation, and creating favourable conditions for a nationwide dialogue.
On the side-lines of the event, the Foreign Minister held a number of meetings: with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia – Batmunkh Battsetseg, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan – Abdulaziz Kamilov, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan – Rashid Meredov, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic – Ruslan Kazakbaev, the Israeli Minister of Tourism – Yoel Razvozov, the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Central Asia – Natalia Gherman, and others.
Bilateral co-operation, interaction on topical issues of the international agenda, mutual support in international organisations were discussed.
Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia was established in 1992, with the aim of strengthening co-operation by developing multilateral approaches to ensuring peace, security and stability in Asia. It unites 27 countries. Nine states (including Belarus) and five international organisations have observer status.
