Baku, October 15, AZERTAC

On October 15, the 7th Summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) was held in Baku.

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 all of us 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 Chair of CICA.

Speech by President Ilham Aliyev

- Distinguished Heads of State and Government,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Welcome to Azerbaijan.

First and foremost, I express my gratitude to all Member States of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA) for their unanimous support extended 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 activities in chairing a number of international forums.

Geographically located at the crossroads of Asia and Europe, Azerbaijan plays an increasingly important role as a bridge across the Eurasian space. Our cooperation with many states in the political, economic, transport, energy and humanitarian spheres, 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 sovereign equality, non-interference in internal affairs, and the priority of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of states.

Azerbaijan actively and in a well-reasoned manner speaks out against the pernicious practice of application of double standards and selective approaches to the settlement of interstate conflicts.

Since the restoration of its independence 35 years ago, our country has continuously faced such double standards. For 30 years, approximately 20 percent of Azerbaijan’s internationally recognized territory remained under Armenian occupation. Armenia committed military aggression against Azerbaijan, carrying out ethnic cleansing and expelling one million Azerbaijanis from their native historic lands, both in Garabagh and East Zangezur, as well as from the territory of present-day Armenia.

In 1993, the United Nations Security Council adopted four resolutions demanding the immediate, complete and unconditional withdrawal of Armenian forces from the occupied territories, but they remained on paper for 30 years. The OSCE Minsk Group, established in 1992 to resolve the conflict, engaged in imitation and aimed at freezing the conflict.

The former leadership of Armenia – all three former presidents of Armenia and their accomplices, who are war criminals and baby killers – haven’t yet received the punishment they deserve. The current Armenian leadership continued the criminal policies of its predecessors from 2018.

In 2019, the current Prime Minister of Armenia, speaking in the occupied Khankendi, in Garabagh, declared that “Garabagh is Armenia, and period.” The then Armenian Minister of Defense publicly threatened Azerbaijan with a new war for new territories. All this unbridled arrogance was tolerated by the so-called international community. No one condemned Armenia for its occupation, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and murder, and the desecration of the religious shrines of the Azerbaijani people. The UN Security Council did not insist on the implementation of the resolutions it had itself adopted. The OSCE remained indifferent. The European Parliament and the Council of Europe, two anachronisms and atavisms of international relations, constantly attacked Azerbaijan, the victim of aggression, while encouraging the aggressor – Armenia.

The OSCE Minsk Group, which was established to resolve the conflict, was paralyzed by its co-chairs, who monopolized the issue and pursued coordinated policies of freezing the conflict.

In July and August 2020, Armenia committed two military provocations, causing the deaths of Azerbaijani servicemen. At that point, the patience of the Azerbaijani people came to an end. And the time of reckoning came. The 2020 Patriotic War lasted 44 days. During this period, Azerbaijan liberated more than 300 cities and villages on the battlefield, expelling the Armenian occupiers from the occupied territories. On 10 November 2020, Armenia signed an act of capitulation. The war came to an end, but a part of Azerbaijan’s territory remained under occupation.

For three years, Azerbaijan sought to resolve the issue of the full restoration of its sovereignty through peaceful means, but Armenia abused this respite as an opportunity to rebuild its forces and once again attack Azerbaijan, this time with the assistance of its new Western patrons. This is precisely what happened in September 2023. And once again, the “Iron Fist” of the Azerbaijani soldier spoke for itself.

In less than 24 hours, the Armenian army’s expeditionary corps in Garabagh was completely defeated. Azerbaijan fully restored its sovereignty and territorial integrity and put an end to separatism. The leaders of the separatists, war criminals and baby killers were brought before the Azerbaijani court.

In substance and in form, this was analogous to the Nuremberg Tribunal. But this time, it was the Armenian fascists who were in the dock. Those who threatened us that they would come to Baku on tanks, occupy Baku and drink tea here now drink Azerbaijani tea in our prisons, and their tanks are being displayed in the Military Trophy Park. By the way, our guests can visit the Victory Park, Victory Museum and Military Trophy Park to fully understand the nature and essence of the occupation and the historic victory of the Azerbaijani people.

I have dwelled at length on this issue, because it is of global significance. Until mechanisms are developed to ensure the implementation of decisions and resolutions of the UN Security Council and other international organizations, wars and conflicts will continue, and new ones will emerge.

Had sanctions been imposed on Armenia due to the occupation of our territories, the genocide and ethnic cleansing it had committed, Azerbaijan would not have had to break the backbone of Armenian fascism on the battlefield. The impunity of the aggressor only magnified its arrogance.

War was not our choice. It was imposed upon us by Armenia, and its patrons apparently did not believe that Azerbaijan would restore its sovereignty and uphold international law by force. But they all miscalculated. Perhaps they did not know well enough the character of our proud and freedom-loving people guided by the laws of our traditions and moral values.

We won the war and drove the occupiers from our lands, but we did not seek revenge for 30 years of suffering, for the genocide, or for the destruction of our cities and villages. We took our revenge on the battlefield. And we offered peace to Armenia. This once again demonstrated the character of our people. We did not strike at an enemy who was already down. We did not descend to the level of those barbarians and baby killers who inflicted so much suffering upon our people. We offered peace, and we have now been living in peace for a little more than a year. The peace is still fragile, and it needs to be protected and consolidated.

Distinguished heads of delegation,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

During two years of its Chairmanship, Azerbaijan paid priority attention to strengthen the CICA and actively advanced cooperation in such areas as transport, connectivity, digitalization, environment, tourism, education, science and other fields.

Thanks to various initiatives implemented with the unanimous support of all Member States, today CICA is institutionally and legally stronger, its membership has expanded, and it is capacity to facilitate dialogue and interaction to enhance security, economic growth and mutual understanding in its geography has been significantly strengthened.

Taking this opportunity, I thank all Member States for their support to the idea of prolonging Azerbaijan’s CICA Chairmanship for another two years.

I 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.”

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The Summit continued with further remarks.