Astana is hosting the 4th session of foreign ministers of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA). Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev emphasized that CICA had become a forum of multilateral diplomacy consisting of 24 states (90% of Asian territory and half of world population).
Nazarbayev proposed transformation of the organization to become an instrument for security and cooperation in the region. He believes that CICA and the OSCE should improve ties and form common Euro-Atlantic and Eurasian security.
The Kazakh president says that his country may become a transport link between Europe and Asia. He urged attendants of the session to search for new solutions to the crisis. Kazakhstan proposed formation of G-global communication platform at the Astana forum.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov focused on challenges the region faces today.
Lavrov urged Iran and China to stop confrontation in nuclear issues, called for negotiations to resolve the Syrian conflict. The Russian minister noted instability ranging from Northern Africa to Afghanistan, withdrawal of NATO forces from Afghanistan.
Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi said that Iran was willing to help Afghanistan recover after withdrawal of foreign forces.
CICA is an international forum for cooperation, peace, security and stability of Asia. Nazarbayev proposed formation of the forum at the 47th session of the UN General Assembly on October 5, 1992. The organization consists of 24 states. 8 states and 3 international organizations, including the UN are observers. Any Asian state is welcome in the organization.
