Distinguished Mr. Chairman!
Distinguished Heads of State and Government!
Ladies and Gentlemen!
First of all, let me express my sincere gratitude to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the highly respected Ilham Aliyev, for the high level of organization of this Summit, traditional hospitality and the creation of favorable conditions for constructive work.
Turkmenistan views the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia as an important international platform designed to promote peace, security, mutual trust, and sustainable development on our continent.
We highly value the results of the Republic of Azerbaijan’s chairmanship of the CICA. In this context, I would like to particularly note that, as chair of this format, Azerbaijan, being firmly committed to its goals and objectives, has demonstrated determination and consistency in implementing engagement and confidence-building measures, while actively promoting the expansion of international cooperation.
Dear participants!
The current Summit is taking place during a period of profound geopolitical and geoeconomic transformation. The current international situation and new security challenges require coordinated action by states to strengthen peace, security, and predictability in international relations.
Of fundamental importance in this regard is strict adherence to the norms of international law and the Charter of the United Nations.
In this regard, we attach particular importance to strengthening the international legal foundations necessary for the practical implementation of joint efforts aimed at ensuring international stability. As is known, Turkmenistan has proposed declaring 2028 the Year of International Law and declaring 2027–2037 the UN Decade of Dialogue and Preventive Diplomacy.
I am convinced that strengthening the potential of international law and preventive diplomacy can also be useful within the framework of our dialogue – primarily in the interests of preventing conflicts, strengthening trust, and finding mutually acceptable solutions.
We count on the international community’s support for these initiatives. We also believe it is important to make greater use of the potential of the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia, headquartered in Ashgabat.
Along with political conditions, strengthening economic connectivity, expanding mutually beneficial trade, and developing reliable transport and logistics chains are important factors for secure and sustainable global development. In the changing global economy, diversifying transport routes, developing multimodal transportation, and eliminating infrastructural and procedural barriers that hinder regional cooperation are particularly important.
In continuation of the UN General Assembly Resolution on the Sustainable Transport Decade 2026–2035, adopted at Turkmenistan’s initiative, our country is consistently promoting initiatives aimed at developing international cooperation in the field of transport and logistics.
These include the development of a Global Atlas of Sustainable Transport Connectivity and the creation of transcontinental transport routes providing access from Central and South Asia to European markets via the Caspian Sea.
In general, we advocate for more complete use of the potential of transport corridors in the East–West and North–South directions, as well as for expanding international cooperation in the logistics sector and simplifying trade procedures.
We believe it would be appropriate to develop a ministerial-level dialogue on transport issues within the framework of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia. This format would allow for the exchange of national experiences, identification of existing obstacles, and the development of practical recommendations for the benefit of all interested states.
The digital dimension of international cooperation is becoming increasingly important. Artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies offer vast opportunities for economic development, increased public administration efficiency, and improved diplomatic tools.
At the same time, their use requires a responsible approach based on international law, trust and consideration of the interests of all states.
In this regard, Turkmenistan is proposing the development of an International Code for the Peaceful Use of Artificial Intelligence in International Relations and Diplomacy.
Climate change and environmental security remain serious challenges of our time.
Turkmenistan consistently advocates for strengthening international cooperation in these areas. We attach particular importance to the combined efforts of states in our format to ensure the rational use of water resources, the implementation of modern environmental technologies, and the strengthening of the resilience of national economies in the face of global climate change.
To make a practical contribution to the development of international environmental cooperation, Turkmenistan is proposing the establishment of the Ashgabat Climate Dialogue—a multilateral platform for exchanging experiences and coordinating approaches to climate change adaptation, combating desertification and drought, rational use of water resources, and promoting green solutions.
We invite interested states and international partners to support this initiative. We believe that CICA has significant potential for implementing joint projects and disseminating effective solutions for sustainable environmental development.
The humanitarian dimension is an integral part of our cooperation. Historical ties, a rich cultural heritage, and centuries-old traditions of good neighborliness among the Conference’s participating states create a solid foundation for strengthening mutual understanding and trust.
Turkmenistan fully supports the expansion of academic exchanges and active partnership within the framework of the CICA youth platforms.
In this context, we are convinced of the need for the radical development of youth diplomacy as an effective tool for engaging the younger generation in the process of restoring a culture of peaceful dialogue.
A practical step in this direction could be the creation of a Network of Young Trust Ambassadors, comprised of active, talented, and progressive youth from our countries, called upon to promote the ideals of peace, tolerance, and constructive intercultural dialogue.
Dear participants!
Turkmenistan attaches great importance to the activities of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia and consistently supports its goals and principles. As an observer state, our country is ready to continue to contribute to the promotion of constructive initiatives and proposals aimed at expanding multilateral cooperation in Asia.
(Baku, October 15, 2026) /// nCa, 16 October 2026