Preventing conflict costs less: Tokayev proposes new mechanism within CICA

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev addressed the 7th summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA). He reminded participants that security is always one of the core priorities of CICA's work.

Tokayev said the organisation can make a significant contribution to the peaceful settlement of disputes, disarmament and the strengthening of peace. He said CICA should take a more active role in overcoming contradictions in Asia and beyond, while building ties with the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, the Commonwealth of Independent States and other international institutions. As a concrete step, he proposed launching a preventive diplomacy mechanism.

“Prevention of conflict is more effective and cheaper than eliminating its consequences,” Tokayev said. Such a mechanism would allow member states to take part regularly in decision-making and move from adopting statements to agreed action, he added. On October 14, Tokayev travelled to Baku on a working visit to attend the 7th CICA summit.