Baku: President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev addressed the participants of the 13th Meeting of the CICA Think Tank Forum themed 'Resonance of Development and Security: Regional Cooperation and Governance in the Institutional Transformation of CICA.'
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the President's address was delivered by Farid Shafiyev, Chairman of the AIR Center. President Aliyev expressed his pleasure in hosting the forum in Azerbaijan, marking the first time it is being held outside China. He highlighted the strategic relationship between Azerbaijan and China, citing his productive visits to China, the signing of agreements on strategic partnership, and the lifting of the visa regime as examples of their close partnership.
President Aliyev emphasized the vital role think tanks play in addressing global challenges, from security and economic issues to technological and environmental concerns. He stressed the importance of cooperation among think tanks from CICA member states to strengthen mutual understanding and regional integration. Aliyev noted Asia's growing influence in global affairs and lamented the underrepresentation of Global South countries in global decision-making processes.
During Azerbaijan's chairmanship of the Non-Aligned Movement, the nation opposed injustices faced by Global South countries and sought to reinforce their position internationally. President Aliyev mentioned the successful outcomes of COP29, held in Baku, and Azerbaijan's commitment to addressing the needs of Global South countries, particularly small island states. He also highlighted Azerbaijan's efforts to confront the legacy of colonialism and mobilize international solidarity.
Aliyev called for reforms at the United Nations to ensure adequate representation of Global South countries in the Security Council. He emphasized the importance of a peace agenda following the restoration of Azerbaijan's sovereignty and the initialing of a peace agreement with Armenia. Aliyev also discussed Azerbaijan's emergence as a key transport and logistics hub in Eurasia, highlighting the potential of the Zangezur Corridor.
President Aliyev affirmed Azerbaijan's tradition of organizing significant high-level events, including upcoming summits for the Organization of Turkic States and the United Nations World Urban Forum. He noted Azerbaijan's chairmanship of CICA from 2024-2026, focusing on connectivity, digitalization, and sustainable growth in Asia. Aliyev outlined goals for strengthening CICA's organizational capacity and expanding its cooperation, aiming to establish councils focused on finance, women's issues, sustainable connectivity, and climate.
Aliyev expressed confidence that the forum would contribute valuable discussions on globally significant issues and wished the participants success.