11:40
The 7th Summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) is underway in Baku.
Axar.az reports that President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev welcomed the heads of state and government attending the event.
Opening the summit, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev said:
- Esteemed heads of state and government,
Distinguished heads of delegations,
Ladies and gentlemen,
I am pleased to welcome you to Baku for the 7th Summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA). I express my gratitude to all of you for accepting our invitation. I declare the 7th Summit of Heads of State and Government of CICA open.
First of all, we must approve the agenda. If there are no proposals, the agenda is approved.
One of the items on the agenda is the decision on the accession of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic to CICA as a member state. This is the third item on our agenda, and I propose that we adopt the decision on the accession of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic to CICA as a member state.
If there are no objections, the decision on the accession of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic to CICA as a member state is adopted. Congratulations.
The admission of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic as a new CICA member is an important event that demonstrates the Conference’s growing importance and its development as a more inclusive platform for dialogue in Asia. We highly appreciate that this has taken place during Azerbaijan’s chairmanship of CICA, at the Baku Summit.
I congratulate His Excellency President Thongloun Sisoulith and congratulate us all on the adoption of this decision.
The next item on the agenda is the speeches by the heads of delegations. With your permission, I will be the first to speak in my capacity as the incumbent Chairman of CICA.
Speech by President Ilham Aliyev
- Esteemed heads of state and government, ladies and gentlemen,
Welcome to Azerbaijan.
First of all, I would like to express my gratitude to all CICA member states for their unanimous support for Azerbaijan’s chairmanship in 2024. We regard this as a sign of respect and trust, as well as a demonstration of support for our chairmanship activities across a number of international platforms.
Geographically located at the intersection of Asia and Europe, Azerbaijan plays an increasingly significant role as a connecting hub in the Eurasian space. Our country’s cooperation with many states in the political, economic, transport, energy and humanitarian fields, within both bilateral and multilateral frameworks, in turn strengthens the security system in our region.
Azerbaijan consistently pursues an independent foreign policy based on the principles of equality, non-interference in internal affairs, and respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of states.
Azerbaijan actively and consistently opposes the harmful practice of applying double standards and selective approaches to the resolution of interstate conflicts.
Since restoring its independence 35 years ago, our country has continuously faced double standards. Approximately 20 percent of Azerbaijan’s internationally recognized territory was occupied by Armenia for 30 years. Armenia committed military aggression against Azerbaijan, forcing one million Azerbaijanis from their ancestral lands in Garabagh and East Zangezur, as well as in the territory of present-day Armenia, and carrying out ethnic cleansing.
In 1993, the UN Security Council adopted four resolutions demanding the immediate, full and unconditional withdrawal of Armenian forces from the occupied territories. Yet these resolutions remained unimplemented for 30 years. The activities of the OSCE Minsk Group, established in 1992 to resolve the conflict, were largely imitative.
Armenia’s previous leadership—all three former presidents of Armenia and their supporters—have yet to receive the punishment they deserve for their actions as war criminals and child killers. Since 2018, Armenia’s current leadership has continued the criminal policy pursued by its predecessors.
In 2019, Armenia’s current Prime Minister stated in then-occupied Khankendi in Garabagh that “Garabagh is Armenia, full stop.” At the time, Armenia’s defense minister threatened Azerbaijan with a new war for new territories. The international—so-called international—community turned a blind eye to this boundless brazenness. No one condemned Armenia for its occupation, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and massacres, or the desecration of the sacred religious sites of the Azerbaijani people. The UN Security Council did not insist on the implementation of the resolutions it had adopted, while the OSCE remained indifferent.
The European Parliament and the Council of Europe, two examples of anachronism and atavism in international relations, consistently targeted Azerbaijan, the victim of aggression, while encouraging the aggressor, Armenia.
The OSCE Minsk Group, established to resolve the conflict, monopolized the issue, while its co-chairs paralyzed its work. Their activities were aimed at freezing the conflict.
In July and August 2020, Armenia committed two military provocations that resulted in the deaths of Azerbaijani servicemen. The patience of the Azerbaijani people ran out, and the time for accountability had come.
The 2020 Patriotic War lasted 44 days. During this period, Azerbaijan drove the Armenian occupiers from the occupied territories and liberated more than 300 cities and villages on the battlefield. On November 10, 2020, Armenia signed an act of capitulation. The fighting stopped, but part of Azerbaijan’s territory remained under occupation.
For three years, Azerbaijan sought to resolve the issue of fully restoring its sovereignty through peaceful means. However, Armenia used the ceasefire as an opportunity to rebuild its military forces and, with the help of its new patrons in the West, attack Azerbaijan once again. That is precisely what happened in September 2023, when the “Iron Fist” of the Azerbaijani soldier spoke once more.
In less than 24 hours, Armenia’s occupying army in Garabagh was completely routed. Azerbaijan fully restored its sovereignty and territorial integrity, putting an end to separatism. The leaders of the separatists, war criminals and child killers were brought to justice in Azerbaijan.
In terms of both its essence and form, this was an analogue of the Nuremberg Tribunal. However, this time, Armenian fascists sat in the dock. Those who once threatened us, saying they would come in tanks, occupy Baku and drink tea here, are now drinking Azerbaijani tea in our prisons. Meanwhile, their tanks are on display at the Military Trophy Park. Incidentally, to fully understand the essence and nature of the occupation, as well as the historic Victory of the Azerbaijani people, our guests can visit Victory Park, the Victory Museum and the Military Trophy Park.
I have dwelt on this issue at length because it has global significance. Until mechanisms are developed to ensure the implementation of decisions and resolutions adopted by the UN Security Council and other international organizations, wars and conflicts will continue, and new ones will emerge.
Had sanctions been imposed on Armenia in a timely manner for its occupation, genocide and ethnic cleansing, Azerbaijan would not have been compelled to break the back of Armenian fascism on the battlefield. The aggressor’s impunity only further magnified the scale of its brazenness.
War was not our choice. Armenia forced us into war. Its supporting patrons apparently did not believe that Azerbaijan would restore its sovereignty and uphold international law by force. But they were all mistaken. They evidently did not understand the character of our proud, freedom-loving people, who remain true to their traditions and moral values.
We won the war and expelled the occupiers from our lands. However, despite 30 years of suffering, genocide and the destruction of our cities and villages, we did not take revenge on them. We took our revenge on the battlefield and offered peace to Armenia. Here, too, our people once again demonstrated their moral qualities. We did not strike a blow against those who had already been defeated. We did not stoop to the level of the barbarians and child killers who caused so much suffering to our people. We offered peace, and we have been living in peace for a little over a year. This peace remains fragile and must be protected and strengthened.
Distinguished ladies and gentlemen,
During its two-year chairmanship of CICA, Azerbaijan gave priority to strengthening the organization and actively promoted cooperation in transport, connectivity, digitalization, environmental protection, tourism, education, science and other fields.
As a result of our various initiatives, implemented with the unanimous support of all member states, CICA is now stronger both institutionally and legally. Its membership has expanded, and its capacity to foster dialogue and interaction, promote security and economic prosperity, and enhance mutual understanding across its geographic area has been significantly strengthened.
Taking this opportunity, I would like to express my gratitude to all member states for supporting the proposal to extend Azerbaijan’s chairmanship of CICA for another two years.
Thank you for your attention.
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Expressing gratitude for the high-level organization of the Summit, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said that Kazakhstan appreciated Azerbaijan’s dynamic chairmanship of the organization:
- Your Excellency, I express my sincere gratitude to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, His Excellency Ilham Aliyev, for the warm hospitality and excellent organization of the Summit. Returning once again to the marvelous city of Baku, which reflects ancient history and modern innovations, brings me genuine satisfaction. Under the strong leadership of President Aliyev, Azerbaijan has emerged as a beacon of progress in all spheres – whether in the economy or international relations. We appreciate Azerbaijan's dynamic chairmanship of the organization, aimed at strengthening CICA's potential as a unique platform for dialogue, trust, and comprehensive cooperation in this turbulent and unpredictable world. At the 6th Summit held in Astana in 2022, CICA member states agreed to transform the Conference into a full-fledged international institution. Azerbaijan's chairmanship is now carrying out this mission with great dignity, and we eagerly await the adoption of the CICA Charter as our roadmap.
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said that Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan were marking this important milestone by jointly launching the Trans-Caspian fiber-optic line running along the seabed of the Caspian Sea.
The President of Kazakhstan said: "This unique Digital Silk Way project will ensure faster and safer data transmission across Eurasia, thereby strengthening Asia's digital potential and opening new opportunities for cooperation."
Welcoming progress in relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, Tokayev added: "We welcome the reconciliation achieved between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Following decades of deep disagreements, this rapprochement opens up new opportunities that create a gateway between East and West."
Speaking about the Caspian Green Energy Corridor project, the Kazakh President stated: "Last year, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Uzbekistan laid the foundation for the Caspian Green Energy Corridor by signing the Agreement on Strategic Partnership in the field of green energy development and transmission. This corridor is designed to connect our electricity grids and deliver electricity to European markets via the Black Sea. Together with Azerbaijan, we intend to increase the transportation of Kazakh crude oil through the Baku–Tbilisi–Ceyhan pipeline."
Speaking about the proposal to establish an International Water Organization within the UN system, Tokayev noted that the initiative could be put forward jointly by the Central Asian countries and Azerbaijan, with all CICA member states invited to join.
Wishing Azerbaijan success during its chairmanship of CICA, the Kazakh President emphasized: "Kazakhstan highly appreciates Azerbaijan's commitment and President Ilham Aliyev's personal attention to carrying out this honorable duty. We are ready to align with this sincere dedication. I am confident that the Baku Declaration we adopted today will serve as a solid foundation for future work. Kazakhstan stands firmly alongside Azerbaijan in this matter. Thank you very much."
President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev said that he supported the candidacy of Azerbaijan's representative for the position of CICA Secretary-General and the Azerbaijani side's intention to extend its chairmanship of the organization until 2028. Wishing Azerbaijan success in fulfilling this responsible mission, he said: "Dear Ilham Heydar oglu, distinguished heads of state, heads of delegations, ladies and gentlemen. I am pleased to be once again on the hospitable Azerbaijani soil and to welcome all participants of the 7th Summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia. First of all, I express my gratitude to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, esteemed Ilham Heydar oglu Aliyev, for the warm reception and high-level organization of this event. Under your successful leadership, we sincerely rejoice in Azerbaijan's dynamic development, its growing prestige in the world, and the steady rise in the welfare of the brotherly Azerbaijani people. This evokes deep feelings of respect in us toward the country's leadership. We also highly appreciate Azerbaijan's chairmanship, thanks to which our dialogue within the CICA platform has become richer and more beneficial."
President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon also expressed his gratitude for the high-level organization of the event, saying: "Your Excellency, my dear brother, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, esteemed Ilham Heydar oglu Aliyev, I express my gratitude for the high-level organization of the Meeting, the very warm welcome, and the opportunity to be hosted here."
President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Zhaparov said that the Kyrgyz Republic was ready to provide the necessary support to Azerbaijan and contribute to joint efforts. He emphasized: "I express my gratitude to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, esteemed Ilham Heydar oglu Aliyev, for the organization of our Meeting and the hospitality shown. I note with great pleasure the important contribution of the Azerbaijani side to the development of CICA's activities. I would like to welcome the initiative to extend Azerbaijan's chairmanship until 2028. This will allow for maintaining continuity in CICA's activities and strengthening mutual trust."
President of the State of Israel Isaac Herzog, emphasizing that CICA had been further revitalized during Azerbaijan’s chairmanship, stated: “It is very fitting that we gather in Azerbaijan—a country synonymous with effective regional partnership, tolerance, confidence-building measures, and constructive development. Under the wise leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan has become an example of stability, achieving incredible economic growth and building close ties with countries in the region. At a time when global tensions are rising and trust in international cooperation is declining, Azerbaijan has been able to focus CICA’s attention on the most essential issues. These are constructive dialogue, sustainable partnership, and the pursuit of shared interests.”
President of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic Thongloun Sisoulith, expressing gratitude for the warm hospitality, said: “I would like to convey my deep appreciation and gratitude to the people and Government of Azerbaijan for their hospitality and organization. Thank you very much for hosting us in this beautiful city of Baku. Furthermore, I wish to extend my sincere congratulations to His Excellency Mr. Ilham Aliyev for hosting the 7th CICA Summit at a high level. The Laos-China railway, commissioned in 2021, has brought Laos closer to realizing this vision. This step was enabled by high-speed passenger transit and cross-border freight operations. Looking to the future, we wish to cooperate in extending this important railway network to Central Asia and the broader Eurasian region, particularly using Azerbaijan as a transit corridor.”
President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, thanking Azerbaijan for organizing the Summit, stated: “Allow me, first of all, to express my sincere gratitude to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, esteemed Ilham Heydar oglu Aliyev, for the excellent organization of this event, the hospitality shown, and the creation of favorable conditions for constructive work. We highly appreciate the results of the Republic of Azerbaijan’s chairmanship of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia. In this context, I would particularly like to note that Azerbaijan, as CICA Chair, has demonstrated firm commitment to its goals and objectives, showing determination and consistency in implementing measures aimed at developing interaction and strengthening trust. At the same time, it has actively contributed to the expansion of international cooperation.”
Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia Hun Manet, emphasizing that his country fully supports the adoption of the Baku Declaration of the 7th CICA Summit, as well as the statement on cooperation in occupational safety and healthcare, stated: “I would like to express my deep gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev, the Government, and the people of Azerbaijan for the warm hospitality shown to my delegation. I highly appreciate Azerbaijan’s chairmanship and convey my congratulations on the extension of its CICA chairmanship for the 2026–2028 term. I also commend the CICA Chairmanship and Secretariat for the high-level organization of this event. The principles reaffirmed in the Baku Declaration—including respect for the UN Charter, international law, sovereign equality, territorial integrity, and the peaceful settlement of disputes—are not merely a wish, but an essential foundation for peace and stability.”
Vice President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Vo Thi Anh Xuan, highlighting that her country highly values Azerbaijan’s CICA chairmanship, said: “I would like to express once again my gratitude to the people and Government of Azerbaijan for their warm and kind hospitality. Against the backdrop of challenges facing the region and the entire world, Azerbaijan makes a great contribution to the development of dialogue and cooperation. At the same time, it has contributed greatly to organizing this event. Taking this opportunity, I would like to welcome Azerbaijan as Chair once again. At the 7th CICA Summit, the Baku Declaration and the Statement on Cooperation, Health, and Occupational Safety were adopted. The theme of the Summit points to a practical path for development, promoting equal, transparent connectivity to reconcile interests. It also enables inclusive digitalization to expand opportunities and share the fruits of development to achieve common prosperity. All of this serves to further strengthen CICA.”
Igor Sergeyenko, Chairman of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus, welcoming the initiative to transform the Conference into a full-fledged international organization in the future, said: “Dear Ilham Heydar oglu, esteemed heads of delegations. On behalf of President of the Republic of Belarus Aleksandr Grigoryevich Lukashenko, I greet the participants of this event. I express my gratitude to the leadership of Azerbaijan for the warm hospitality and the excellent organization of the event. We welcome the initiative aimed at transforming the Conference into a full-fledged international organization in the future. Undoubtedly, Azerbaijan’s effective chairmanship has made a significant contribution to this process, and its chairmanship is set to continue for the next two years. Azerbaijan has taken on the leadership in implementing this proposal.”
Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, also congratulating Azerbaijan on its achievements, stated: “During its two-year chairmanship, Azerbaijan has successfully promoted climate resilience and the transition to green energy. The Chinese side also supports the continuation of Azerbaijan’s chairmanship."
