Peace remains fragile and must be protected and strengthened - President Ilham Aliyev

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev told the 7th Summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA) in Baku on October 15 that Azerbaijan did not strike a defeated state and did not stoop to the level of the barbarians and child killers who caused great suffering to its people.

Aliyev said Azerbaijan offered peace and has lived in peace for a little over a year. He added that this peace remains fragile and must be protected and strengthened. The summit, held under Azerbaijan's chairmanship, will review progress in the CICA transformation process that began in 2022, as well as the results of Azerbaijan's chairmanship in strengthening the organisation and promoting practical cooperation among member states. Heads of state and government and delegations are attending.

One of the summit's most significant outcomes is considered to be the admission of Laos as a new CICA member. The main political document, the Baku Declaration, is expected to approve Azerbaijan's chairmanship and welcome initiatives of the past two years. It will also address tolerance, intercultural dialogue, and the opportunities and risks of artificial intelligence. A separate statement on occupational safety and health is also planned.