ASTANA: Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on Friday said that the 6th Consultative Meeting of Central Asian Heads of States underscored the enduring commitment of the participating nations to strengthen their deep-rooted friendships and expand multifaceted cooperation on the global stage.
The 6th Consultative Meeting of Central Asian Heads of States held in Astana. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA) Head Kakha Imnadze also participating, reported Kazinform News Agency.
Since the first meeting in Astana in 2018, significant progress has been made in advancing this cooperative format, as evidenced by the outcomes of the previous five summits, which have fostered deeper regional collaboration, Tokayev noted.
Tokayev emphasized the need for a unified vision to enhance regional cooperation amidst global challenges. He stressed the importance of the treaty on friendship, good-neighborliness, and cooperation for Central Asia’s development in the 21st century.
Tokayev proposed initiating a UN General Assembly resolution to advance Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Central Asia ahead of the UN’s 80th anniversary. He expressed hope that the involvement of UN High Representative Kakha Imnadze in future summits would foster closer ties between Central Asia and the UN.
The Kazakh President also addressed the importance of establishing a solid economic foundation for multifaceted interaction and highlighted opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation, particularly in environmental and climate change initiatives.
Tokayev expressed confidence in Kazakhstan’s strategic direction toward enhancing regional cooperation and wished Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev success in hosting COP29 this fall.
During the meeting, Tokayev awarded Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev the Badge of Honor on behalf of the Central Asian Heads of States, recognizing his leadership as chair of the Consultative Meeting.
