Envoy: Kazakhstan to hand over CICA chairmanship to Azerbaijan at COP29

Kazakhstan's Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Alim Bayel, has highlighted the pivotal role of Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan as leaders in regional integration and communication.

His remarks came during the Azerbaijan-Kazakhstan Agricultural Forum, held at the Kazakh Embassy in Baku, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

Bayel emphasized the significant progress in bilateral relations between Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan, describing the two nations as strategic partners with a growing dynamic of cooperation. “Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan are locomotives of regional integration and communication,” Bayel stated, underscoring the importance of their collaborative efforts.

The ambassador noted that both countries are engaged in developing major strategic projects that are not only beneficial for their own nations but also for the broader region.

"Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan jointly develop large strategic projects that are important not only for the countries themselves but also for the whole region," he said.

Bayel also highlighted the recent establishment of a bilateral investment fund worth $300 million, which aims to support and implement significant projects in both countries and beyond.

"Through this fund, we will participate in the implementation of the most interesting projects not only in the territory of the two countries but also in the territory of third countries. Among other things, we want this fund to support our small and medium-sized businesses,” Bayel added.

Moreover, Bayel said the chairmanship of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA) from Kazakhstan will pass to Azerbaijan within COP29.

"Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan are two peace-loving countries that successfully cooperate in international organisations. One example is the countries' cooperation within CICA. Kazakhstan will hand over the chairmanship of CICA to Azerbaijan within COP29, which will be held in Baku in November," he emphasised.

The Ambassador also noted that the countries have developed relations in the field of economy, energy, tourism, security and many others.

Azerbaijan was elected chairman of CICA for 2024-2026 by the decision of the CICA Council of Foreign Ministers of 19 March 2024.

According to the decision, Azerbaijan should host the CICA Council of Foreign Ministers in 2024 and the CICA Council of Heads of State and Government (summit) in 2026 within the framework of the chairmanship.