The opening ceremony of the forum themed “Resonance of Development and Security: Regional Cooperation and Governance in the Institutional Transformation of CICA” held in Baku.
Co-organized by the Center for Analysis of International Relations (AIR Center) and the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies (SIIS), the event began with the screening of a video dedicated to the forum.
Subsequently, Farid Shafiyev, Chairman of the Board of the Center for Analysis of International Relations, read out President Ilham Aliyev’s address to the event participants.
In his address, Kairat Sarybay, Secretary General of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) stressed that President Ilham Aliyev’s address to the participants of the 13th meeting of the CICA Think Tank Forum was truly inspiring and further enhanced the forum’s significance. “This year’s meeting holds particular importance, as it is the first think tank forum convened under Azerbaijan’s chairmanship,” the CICA Secretary General added.
Sarybay noted that the CICA considers enhancing efficiency a key priority. “Currently, Asia is emerging as a pivotal global development hub, with its growing influence in science and technology. Against the backdrop of increasing interdependence among nations, the CICA’s significance is once again manifest. This platform serves as a crucial venue for Asian countries to exchange their strategic visions,” he added.
Noting that environmental issues have taken on immense importance this year, the Secretary-General stated: "Azerbaijan's hosting of COP29 has brought regional climate diplomacy to a new pinnacle. This will be a key pillar of the CICA going forward. The strong desire among member states to collaborate and engage in dialogue has created a solid basis for further discussions."
Chen Dongxiao, Senior Research Fellow and President of the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies (SIIS) emphasized that the importance of the CICA Think Tank Forum lies primarily in its opportunities for dialogue.
According to him, at a time of growing skepticism toward multilateralism, there is a pressing need to build a new consensus.
Dongxiao underscored that the knowledge and experience shared at the forum are valuable contributions not only to regional cooperation but also to the broader global community.
Chen Dongxiao also stressed that the forum’s discussions—on development and security, green and digital transitions, supply chain sustainability, and regional connectivity—help strengthen cooperation and shape a common vision for the future.
“As the chair of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA), Azerbaijan has put forward a number of important cooperation proposals within the framework of mutual engagement, digitalization, and sustainable development,” said Ambassador Yan Wenbin of the Department of European-Central Asian Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China.
He noted that China will work with all parties to support Azerbaijan’s chairmanship and actively contribute to implementing confidence-building measures in various fields within the CICA framework, as well as to ensuring the successful holding of a productive CICA Summit.
Subsequently, Farid Shafiyev, Chairman of the Board of the Center for Analysis of International Relations (AIR Center), and Chen Dongxiao, President of the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies (SIIS), jointly endorsed the agenda of the 13th Think Tank Forum.
The two-day Forum, co-organized by the Board of the Center for Analysis of International Relations and CICA, continued its work with sessions.
