Azerbaijan's CICA chairmanship extension signals high international trust

Azerbaijan's chairmanship of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA) has been extended by another two years. Milli Majlis deputy Soltan Mammadov called the decision a clear reflection of the country's international standing, its contribution to the development of multilateral diplomacy, and the high trust it has earned globally. Day.Az reported that, speaking to Trend, Mammadov said the decision, taken at a time of growing geopolitical complexity and weakening trust between states, is the result of Azerbaijan's far-sighted foreign policy course.

Mammadov said Azerbaijan's 2024-2026 chairmanship was marked by high-level activity, concrete initiatives and institutional results. During this period, the organisation's Women's Council and Financial Summit were created, and the Leading Universities Partnership Network began operating. He also pointed to the VII CICA Summit held in Baku on October 15 under Azerbaijan's chairmanship, which was attended by numerous heads of state and government.

Mammadov said the extension opens new opportunities to consolidate the institutional results achieved and continue the initiatives put forward. He said the East-West and North-South transport corridors and strategic energy projects would help turn the region into a key connectivity hub, while digital development, the Artificial Intelligence Strategy and the 'Azerbaijan 2030' national programmes would support the goals set during the chairmanship.