Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA) 7th Summit (2026)

Seventh Summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA), officially known as the Seventh Meeting of the Council of Heads of State and Government of CICA, was held on 15 October 2026 in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, under the presidency of Azerbaijan. The summit, hosted by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, brought together heads of state and government, foreign ministers, and other senior representatives from Asian countries.^【1】 At the summit, the Baku Declaration and the Statement on Cooperation in the Field of Occupational Safety and Health were adopted, Laos joined the organization as a full member, Azerbaijan's presidency term was extended to cover the 2026-2028 period, and Azerbaijani Ambassador Sultan Hacıyev was appointed as CICA Secretary General for the 2026-2030 term.^【2】

^{The 7th Summit of the Conference on Cooperation and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia, 15 October 2026 - (Anadolu Ajansı)}

CICA's origins lie in an initiative presented by Kazakhstan at the 47th Session of the United Nations General Assembly on 5 October 1992.^【3】 This initiative was proposed by then-Kazakhstan President Nursultan Nazarbayev. The first summit of the conference was held in Almaty in June 2002. CICA is a pan-Asian intergovernmental organization aimed at promoting peace, security and stability through dialogue and confidence-building measures.^【4】

Within the Asian region, CICA is a structure designed to bring together 28 countries with diverse priorities on a common platform for dialogue. The organization covers 90 percent of Asia's landmass and more than half of the world's population. Cooperation among members is conducted under five main pillars: military-political dimension, economic dimension, humanitarian dimension, environmental dimension and new threats and challenges dimension.^【5】

CICA's members are Russia, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Egypt, India, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Pakistan, Palestine, Qatar, the Republic of Korea, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Thailand, Türkiye, the United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan and Vietnam. Among the 15 observers of the conference are Belarus, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, the Philippines, Turkmenistan, the United States of America, Ukraine, Japan, the Arab League, the International Organization for Migration and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), as well as the Parliamentary Assembly of Turkic States.^【6】

CICA presidency terms up to 2026 have been held successively by Kazakhstan, Türkiye, China, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan.^【7】 The presidency is selected for a term of two years, with the possibility of extension. Kazakhstan held the presidency during the 2020-2024 period and handed over the role to Azerbaijan in December 2024. CICA summits are held every four years.^【8】

^{The 7th Summit of the Conference on Cooperation and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia, 15 October 2026 - (Anadolu Ajansı)}

Adopted at the 6th CICA Summit held in Astana in 2022, the Astana Transformation Declaration established a structured, consensus-based process for CICA's gradual transformation into a fully-fledged regional international organization. The Eight-Point Roadmap provides a practical framework for strengthening CICA's institutions, legal personality and cooperation mechanisms. The transformation encompasses institutionalizing governing bodies, enhancing the Secretariat, developing cooperation mechanisms and increasing CICA's capacity to translate dialogue into practical outcomes. In this process, sovereign equality, consensus, inclusiveness and confidence-building are recognized as CICA's guiding principles.^【9】

Türkiye is one of CICA's founding members. In addition to coordinating the priority area of "New Threats and Challenges (General)" under the Catalogue of Confidence-Building Measures, Türkiye also co-coordinates the "Military-Political" dimension, the priority areas of "Development of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises" and "Trade and Investment" under the "Economic" dimension, and the priority area of "Combating Terrorism" under the "New Threats and Challenges" dimension. Türkiye hosted the Third CICA Summit in Istanbul on 8 June 2010 and held the presidency from 2010 to 2014.^【10】

During its presidency, Azerbaijan has adopted the theme "A Stronger CICA for Asia: Connectivity, Digitalization and Sustainable Development". Azerbaijan has prioritized advancing connectivity, digitalization and sustainable development goals through sectoral cooperation and a series of confidence-building measures, while actively accelerating CICA's transformation into a fully-fledged international organization.^【11】

During Azerbaijan's presidency, two new advisory bodies were established: the CICA Women's Council and the CICA Finance Summit. Their inaugural meetings were held in April 2026 in Baku and in September 2026 in Astana respectively. These new mechanisms complement the work of existing advisory bodies: the Business Council, the Youth Council, the Think Tanks Forum and the Council of Eminent Persons, which operate in the areas of cooperation, youth participation, analytical change and strategic guidance. The CICA Fund supports projects assisting farmers in Afghanistan and youth-led climate initiatives in Bangladesh.^【12】

CICA Committee of Senior Officials (SOC), at its meeting held in Baku on 14 October 2026, approved draft versions of the Baku Declaration, the CICA Statement on Cooperation in the Field of Occupational Safety and Health, and the summit decision on the appointment of the CICA Secretary General, recommending their adoption at the summit. The Committee also approved draft decisions on extending Azerbaijan's presidency term to 2026-2028 and on appointing Azerbaijan's nominee as CICA Secretary General for the 2026-2030 term. Member states expressed appreciation for the work of outgoing Secretary General Ambassador Kayrat Sarybay, who served a six-year term. Laos Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane signed the organization's founding documents on 14 October during the margins of the SOC meeting in Baku.^【13】

On 12 October 2026, the spokesperson for China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that Member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi would attend the 7th CICA Summit in Baku on 15 October as a Special Representative of Chinese President Xi Jinping, and would visit Azerbaijan, Croatia, Montenegro and Bulgaria between 14 and 20 October.

On 13 October, it was announced that Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev would make a working visit to Azerbaijan at the invitation of President Ilham Aliyev from 14 to 15 October and attend the summit. The announcement noted that the summit agenda would include strengthening security, peace and stability in Asia and institutional development of the Conference.

On 14 October, it was announced that Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan would attend the summit as a representative of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev also traveled to Baku for a working visit to attend the summit.

It was announced that Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov would attend the summit. Lavrov arrived in Baku on 14 October and held talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan was received at Heydar Aliyev International Airport in Baku by Azerbaijani Minister of Youth and Sports Ferid Gayibov.

On 14 October 2026, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev met with Israeli President Isaac Herzog. Herzog congratulated Azerbaijan on assuming the CICA presidency. Aliyev emphasized Azerbaijan's ongoing efforts as president to strengthen mutual trust and practical cooperation among CICA member states. The two sides also exchanged views on bilateral Azerbaijan-Israel relations and issues on the international and regional agenda.^【14】

On the same day, Aliyev also met with Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon. Rahmon thanked Azerbaijan for the invitation to the CICA Summit and for its hospitality. The meeting addressed friendly relations between the two countries and explored ways to expand bilateral ties and strengthen cooperation within regional and international organizations.^【15】

The summit brought together heads of state and government, senior ministers and other national representatives.^【16】

The summit opened on Thursday, 15 October 2026 in Baku. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan was received by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in connection with his participation. A family photograph was taken before the meeting.

The summit agenda focused on conflict resolution, transport connectivity and digital transformation. Discussions were guided by Azerbaijan's presidency theme, "A Stronger CICA: Connectivity, Digitalization and Sustainable Development in Asia." The summit addressed cooperation proposals in regional and international security, as well as in transport, energy, digitalization, climate resilience and human development.

Speaking as host and president, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev began his address: "First and foremost, I would like to express my gratitude to all CICA member states for their unanimous support in granting Azerbaijan the presidency in 2024. We view this as a sign of respect and trust, as well as recognition of our activities on various international platforms."^【17】

Aliyev noted that his country, located at the intersection of Asia and Europe, is playing an increasingly important role as a connectivity hub in Eurasia. He emphasized that Azerbaijan's bilateral and multilateral political, economic, transport, energy and humanitarian cooperation with numerous states has strengthened the regional security system. Aliyev also assessed the initiatives undertaken during the presidency in the areas of transport connectivity, digitalization, environmental cooperation, tourism, education and science, and welcomed the decision to extend the presidency term.^【18】

Aliyev stated regarding the implementation of international decisions: "As long as mechanisms are not 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." He recalled that four UN Security Council resolutions on the liberation of Azerbaijan's occupied territories have remained on paper for 30 years, and stated that the activities of the OSCE Minsk Group, established in 1992 to resolve the issue, have amounted to nothing more than a simulation of a resolution process.^【19】

Regarding the former leadership of Armenia, Aliyev said: "The former leadership of Armenia — all three former presidents of Armenia and their supporters — these war criminals and child killers — have not yet received the punishment they deserve. Armenia's current leadership has continued the criminal policies of its predecessors since 2018."^【20】

Regarding developments in September 2023, Aliyev said: "This is exactly what happened in September 2023, when the Azerbaijani soldier once again said 'Iron Fist.' Within less than 24 hours, Armenia's occupying army in Karabakh was completely crushed. Azerbaijan fully restored its sovereignty and territorial integrity and ended separatism. The leaders of the separatists, war criminals and child killers were brought before Azerbaijani courts."^【21】

Regarding the peace agreement with Armenia, Aliyev said: "Yet we did not seek revenge for 30 years of suffering, genocide and the destruction of our cities and villages. We took our revenge on the battlefield and offered peace to Armenia. Here again, the moral qualities of our people were demonstrated. We did not strike those who were already defeated. We did not descend to the level of these barbarians and child killers who caused us so much pain. We offered peace and have lived in peace for a little over a year. This peace remains fragile; it must be protected and strengthened."^【22】

Aliyev also criticized what he described as "double standards and selective approaches" in resolving interstate relations, labeling the policies of the European Parliament and the Council of Europe toward Azerbaijan as "outdated."^【23】

Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev opened his speech by thanking Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev for his hospitality and the organization of the summit, and commended Azerbaijan's presidency. Tokayev expressed the importance of CICA to Kazakhstan as follows: "For Kazakhstan, the Conference holds special significance. Thirty years ago, our country initiated this Forum in good faith to build mutual trust and enhance security in our vast region. Since then, CICA has succeeded in bringing together member states for equal benefit to all of us. Indeed, today CICA is the only Forum aiming to build security and trust in Asia on a single platform. CICA's participating states cover nearly 90 percent of Asia and represent more than half of the world's population. Very few multilateral organizations can make such a claim."^【24】

Tokayev welcomed Laos's full membership and noted that CICA's goal of creating a secure and prosperous Asia has become an internationally recognized brand.

Emphasizing that the summit took place at a time when the value of the forum is being tested, Tokayev drew attention to the weakening of the international security architecture. He noted that 2025 saw the highest number of armed conflicts since World War II, with more than 37,000 civilians killed in 20 armed conflicts in the past year alone, over 117 million people forcibly displaced, and 266 million facing acute food insecurity. Tokayev stated that Asia needs stronger institutions and that good faith declarations are no longer sufficient.

Tokayev recalled the consensus reached at the 6th CICA Summit in Astana in 2022 on transforming the Conference into a fully-fledged international organization. He noted that Azerbaijan is leading this transformation process and expressed the expectation that the CICA Charter will soon be adopted. He emphasized that the organization must preserve its Asia-centered structure while remaining open to cooperation with global partners and enhancing security through dialogue and consultations.

Tokayev called for CICA to assume a more active role in peaceful conflict resolution, disarmament and peacebuilding. In this context, he proposed establishing a Preventive Diplomacy Mechanism. He stated that the mechanism would enable preventive action before crises emerge, ensure member states' participation in decision-making processes and translate political declarations into coordinated actions.

Drawing attention to the security dimension of artificial intelligence, Tokayev said these technologies have become decisive factors in economic development and national competitiveness. He noted that artificial intelligence is developing faster than international legal regulations and that some AI agents have been documented bypassing security measures to gain unauthorized access to external systems. Tokayev advocated for the development of common legal regulations and the expansion of confidence-building measures into the digital domain, proposing that artificial intelligence be added to CICA's existing five dimensions.

Tokayev stated that responsible use of artificial intelligence could accelerate economic growth, improve public administration and increase regional development opportunities. He welcomed the Superintelligence Agreement signed in Washington, noting that it could serve as a foundation for an international treaty under the auspices of the United Nations. He also announced that Kazakhstan will host the UN ESCAP Asia-Pacific Centre for Sustainable Development Digital Solutions in Almaty and invited CICA members to participate in its activities.

Tokayev expressed support for the reconciliation process between Azerbaijan and Armenia, noting that rapprochement could create new opportunities between East and West. He proposed developing a CICA Transport Connectivity Strategy to strengthen regional connectivity. The strategy aims to assess the potential of major international corridors such as the Belt and Road Initiative, the North-South International Transport Corridor, the Central Corridor and the TRIPP initiative.

Highlighting the importance of energy security, Tokayev noted that cross-border energy infrastructure is vulnerable to conflict and creates uncertainty in global energy markets. He stated that the strategic partnership agreement signed last year by Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan on green energy supply forms the basis of the Caspian Green Energy Corridor. The corridor is planned to connect the countries' power grids and reach European markets via the Black Sea. Tokayev also outlined plans to work with Azerbaijan to increase the volume of Kazakh oil transported via the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline.

Regarding the Caspian Sea, Tokayev emphasized its importance for regional and global energy security and stressed that its water resources and ecological structure must be protected through joint efforts. He stated that the Caspian must remain an area of peace and cooperation for the region's countries and other nations.

In his assessment of water resources, Tokayev noted that while Asia and the Pacific host 60 percent of the world's population, they possess only 35 percent of global water resources. He argued that water must remain a source of cooperation and proposed establishing a CICA Water Partnership to promote technology sharing, joint research and water conservation. He reiterated his proposal for establishing a United Nations International Water Organization to coordinate global water agendas.

Tokayev called for the establishment of a CICA Human Capital Partnership to prepare young people for a rapidly changing world. He proposed leveraging the expertise of universities and research institutions and stated that the Security and Confidence-Building Research Scholarship could be launched next year, with Kazakhstan ready to provide scholarships to students from all 28 member states. He also indicated readiness to offer research grants to scholars from member countries.

Tokayev stated that the 21st century will be remembered as Asia's century and that shared responsibility will determine whether the region's future takes the path of peace or fragmentation. In closing, he wished Azerbaijan success in continuing its presidency and expressed confidence that the Baku Declaration would provide a solid foundation for future work.^【25】

Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev stated regarding CICA's purpose: "I believe its fundamental objective must be to build a comprehensive security infrastructure in Asia." Mirziyoyev proposed developing a Concept for Building a Security Infrastructure in Asia to define long-term priorities and concrete measures, identifying joint transport and energy projects, trade, digital connectivity and cultural-human exchanges as key components of this infrastructure.^【26】

Mirziyoyev proposed an Asia Initiative on Technological Security and Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence, supported by an expert platform within CICA to develop joint recommendations and practical measures. He also proposed establishing a Climate Resilience Partnership to promote technologies for water conservation, green energy and environmental monitoring. Uzbekistan offered to host in 2027 a Human Development Forum focused on opportunities for youth and women, access to quality education and digital transformation in the context of human rights. Mirziyoyev also supported the development of a CICA Action Program covering the period up to 2028.^【27】

Mirziyoyev stated regarding CICA's role: "When dialogue weakens, the risk of wrong decisions increases. We must strive to prevent political disagreements from turning into armed conflicts." Mirziyoyev announced that Tashkent will host the 20th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement within two years to strengthen international crisis prevention.^【28】

Kyrgyzstan President Sadyr Japarov welcomed Azerbaijan's contribution to CICA and affirmed Kyrgyzstan's readiness to support further development of the organization.^【29】 Citing UN reports, Japarov noted that 59 percent of global economic growth this year will be attributed to Asia and observed that "international conflicts are accelerating and technological transformation is intensifying, while ecological and climate risks are rising." Japarov stated: "The Kyrgyz Republic views CICA as a platform serving the common interests of Asian countries."^【30】

Japarov noted that Kyrgyzstan's trade volume with CICA members has doubled over four years, exceeding $14 billion in 2025, and drew attention to his country's chairmanship of the UN Special Programme for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA) in 2026. Japarov pledged $10 million to a trust fund for preserving the fragile glacial ecosystem of Lake Issyk-Kul and invited leaders to the Second Mountain Summit Bishkek +25.^【31】

Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon thanked Azerbaijan for organizing the summit and for its hospitality to delegations. Rahmon noted that Tajikistan has designated 31 August as the National Day for the Professional Development of Artificial Intelligence and will officially dedicate this day to artificial intelligence from 2027 onward. Rahmon stated: "Equal opportunities must be created so that all countries can benefit efficiently from the gains of new technologies." Tajikistan also highlighted its 10-year UN peace initiative covering 2027-2036 and the 2027-2028 UN Water Conference.^【32】

Turkmenistan Head of State Serdar Berdimuhamedov supported Tokayev's approach to artificial intelligence and proposed establishing an International Code of Conduct on Artificial Intelligence and Diplomacy. Turkmenistan also promoted UN proposals to declare 2028 the International Year of Peace and 2028-2037 the Decade of Dialogue and Preventive Diplomacy, alongside the Ashgabat Climate Dialogue.

Representing President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at the summit, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan expressed support for extending Azerbaijan's presidency term, stating: "We are pleased to welcome Laos as our 29th member. We also congratulate Sultan Hacıyev on his appointment as the new Secretary General.""^【33】

Emphasizing the necessity of a stronger CICA to safeguard peace and prosperity in an era marked by Asia's rise, Fidan stated: "As Türkiye, we are determined to strengthen CICA as Asia's most inclusive security forum. To this end, we must enhance economic security by expanding transport connectivity and diversifying energy corridors." Fidan highlighted the need to emphasize four priorities:

"First, the Caspian Transit East-West Central Corridor. The Central Corridor will significantly enhance the effectiveness of the Belt and Road Initiative. This will not only facilitate trade between Asia and Europe but also build new bridges for people-to-people contacts. Second, the Development Corridor Project. This project will link the Gulf to Europe via Iraq and Türkiye and support stability and prosperity in the region and beyond. Third, enhancing synergy among different regional cooperation mechanisms. Improving coordination between CICA, the Organization of Turkic States, the Economic Cooperation Organization, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) will decisively enhance connectivity across the continent. Fourth, connectivity extends into the digital world. We must deepen cooperation in science, technology and innovation to ensure that artificial intelligence and other new technologies benefit all humanity, not just in Asia but globally."^【34】

Fidan emphasized that artificial intelligence must be the foundation of inclusive cooperation, not conflict or monopolization, and stated that enhanced connectivity will support sustainable development across Asia. Fidan noted that sustainable development also requires action against environmental challenges and highlighted Türkiye's continued leadership role in combating climate change. Reminding participants that Türkiye will host and chair the COP31 Summit in Antalya this November, Fidan expressed the hope that COP31 would strengthen climate justice, sustainable development and human-centered transformation and called on all stakeholders to ensure high-level participation in the Leaders' Summit.^【35】

Fidan noted that growing global crises are increasing uncertainty on international platforms and stressed that finding collective solutions to shared problems is more urgent than ever. He identified the greatest obstacle to multilateral action as the lack of trust among international actors. Fidan stated that the priority in addressing this should be to foster a culture of dialogue that builds mutual trust through regional ownership: "We believe CICA can play a vital role in transforming dialogue into effective cooperation. Therefore, we support CICA's transformation into a fully-fledged international organization."

Fidan underscored that commitment to peace and mutual trust must apply to every member, stating: "We cannot sustain this commitment while our member Israel systematically violates the fundamental rights of the Palestinian people through its policy of oppression." He continued: "We must adopt a firm stance in supporting the rights of our member Palestine and standing against ongoing oppression and grave violations. A lasting solution requires the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, based on the 1967 borders."^【36】

Fidan noted that CICA is a valuable platform for bridging different priorities and deepening mutual understanding, and emphasized that the summit must provide a clear and transparent roadmap for a more effective CICA to ensure sustainable peace and increasing prosperity across the continent.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, speaking as "transformations unseen in a century are occurring at an accelerated pace," said: "Asia has no need for a Cold War mentality and does not welcome bloc confrontation. Ultimately, challenges in Asia must be addressed by the peoples of Asia through solidarity and coordination."^【37】

Wang Yi called for a diplomatic solution to tensions between the United States and Iran, stating that "the complex situation in the Middle East has had a profound impact globally" and emphasizing that "key maritime routes such as the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea must remain unobstructed." He also urged restraint in the conflict in Yemen and stated that "the Palestinian issue must be returned promptly to the correct path of a two-state solution.""^【38】

Speaking as a temporary member of the UN Security Council, Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani called for the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2317. He stated: "Disruptions to navigation in the sea, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz, and dangers faced by ships at Bab al-Mandab threaten global supply chains and energy and food security. Approximately 1,600 vessels are being held up and more than 23,000 seafarers are deprived of their freedom."

Al Zayani said: "In the air, the Houthi militia's attacks this week on the airports of Riyadh, Abha, Jizan and Najran have cost civilian lives, including those of citizens of states represented here. This is a serious violation of international law and the Chicago Convention." He welcomed the proposal to expand CICA's confidence-building measures in transport to cover maritime and air navigation security.^[2] Al Zayani also referenced the Crown Prince of Bahrain's call for an international agreement on AI governance, stating: "No state can govern artificial intelligence alone; just as no state can unilaterally keep a strait open."^【39】

Palestinian Foreign Minister Vasen Agabekyan Shahin addressed the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and expanding settlements, stating that fundamental legal principles "cannot protect peace and security unless they are respected and implemented without selectivity." Shahin referenced recent remarks by Mahmoud Abbas before the UN General Assembly, in which he declared that Palestinians will not accept displacement, and called for the rapid implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2803 to guarantee a lasting ceasefire.^【40】

Laos Head of State Thongloun Sisoulith described his country's transformation from a landlocked state to a land-connected hub through the China-Laos Railway, operational since 2021.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet drew attention to the Phnom Penh Declaration, adopted after an international conference involving 26 countries and seven international organizations on combating online fraud. Hun Manet noted that delays in implementation have prevented 20,000 Cambodians from safely returning home and stated: "Borders and sovereignty must never be altered by force or by fait accompli."^【41】

Vietnamese Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan said: "CICA must also expand coordination with ASEAN and other regional cooperation mechanisms and foster closer ties between Southeast Asia, Central Asia and the broader Eurasian region." Vo Thi Anh Xuan referenced CICA's 30-year history and Vietnam's 40-year Doi Moi reform process, outlining Vietnam's goals of becoming an upper-middle-income country by 2030 and a high-income country by 2045. Vo Thi Anh Xuan described Vietnam's strategic approach as "stability through development and sustainable development through stability."^【42】

At the start of Israeli President Isaac Herzog's address at midday, representatives from more than ten countries, including Türkiye, left the hall. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and his delegation rose and exited the room.^【43】 When Herzog's speech began, delegations from Türkiye, Iran, Kuwait, Pakistan and other countries left the hall; the delegations of the Emir of Qatar and the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain remained.^【44】

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan was received by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and held talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on the sidelines of the summit.

Kazakhstan President Tokayev met with Israeli President Isaac Herzog on the sidelines of the summit and exchanged views on current international issues, including the situation in the Middle East.

Turkmenistan Foreign Minister Reshat Meredov held consultations with his Azerbaijani and Uzbek counterparts on the sidelines of the summit.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev officially inaugurated the Trans-Caspian Fiber Optic Cable, running under the Caspian Sea, as part of the summit. The cable, a key component of the broader Central Corridor project, will enhance digital connectivity between China and Central Asia and Europe via the Black Sea.

Tokayev said regarding the inauguration: "Today, Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan are jointly launching the Trans-Caspian Fiber Optic Cable, marking a significant milestone. This unique Digital Silk Road project will enable faster and more secure data transmission across Eurasia, strengthening Asia's digital capacity and opening new avenues for cooperation."^【45】

The summit concluded with the adoption of the Baku Declaration. The document states that CICA member states highly appreciate Azerbaijan's presidency and commend its initiatives and events held during its two-year term.^【46】

The Baku Declaration contains specific provisions on advancing the international order and addressing current military-political, economic and environmental risks. It also emphasizes promoting tolerance and inter-civilizational dialogue and expanding the use of science, education and innovation to enhance security and prosperity. The Declaration draws attention to the opportunities and risks arising from the development of artificial intelligence and includes provisions on strengthening economic ties, enhancing transport, energy and digital connectivity, and ensuring energy security.^【47】

The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the Baku Declaration reaffirmed the determination of member states to safeguard peace, prosperity and stability in Asia based on a shared commitment to regional ownership.

Alongside the Baku Declaration, the Statement on Cooperation in the Field of Occupational Safety and Health was also adopted at the summit.^【48】

The summit confirmed the participation of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, increasing the number of full CICA member states to 29. Laos's accession documents were signed in Baku on 14 October, prior to the official summit decision.^【49】 The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed Laos's admission as the 29th member, stating that this expansion would strengthen the organization's effectiveness.^【50】

The summit concluded with a unanimous decision to extend Azerbaijan's CICA presidency for an additional two-year term covering the 2026-2028 period.^【51】

Azerbaijani Ambassador Sultan Hacıyev was appointed as CICA Secretary General for the 2026-2030 term.^【52】

Cambodia's ratification of the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the CICA Secretariat, approved by its Senate, marked a significant step in strengthening the organization's legal foundations. With Cambodia as the fourteenth member state to ratify the Convention, the required conditions for its entry into force on 8 November 2026 have been fulfilled.

The Convention will grant the Secretariat the necessary legal capacity to carry out its functions in each member state and provide privileges and immunities to representatives of the parties, the Secretariat and its staff to enable them to perform their official duties effectively and independently.^【53】