The prediction that the 21st century will be the century of Asia has become a reality today. Asia has become the recognized world economic leader in terms of nominal GDP and purchasing power parity. This, today, on October 13, at the opening of the VI summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA), was stated by the President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, writes EAdaily.

According to the Kazakh leader, the Asian region has significant human and natural resources. It contains 21 of the 30 largest cities in the world. Of the estimated $30 trillion in middle-class consumption growth by 2030, economic projections suggest that only $1 trillion will come from Western economies. However, the future of Asia itself depends on our collective willingness to strengthen the dialogue between cultures, traditions and worldviews.

“We have created an advisory body - the Council of Wise Men of the CICA, which will include prominent political and public figures, whose rich experience and knowledge will contribute to the implementation of our joint efforts. The CICA Think Tanks Forum will serve as a universal platform for experts and specialists from all over Asia to exchange experience and ideas, implement joint research projects,” the President of Kazakhstan said.

He recalled that Turkmenistan joined CICA as an observer (in 2021) and noted the demand for CICA as a full-fledged international organization.

“We regard our organization as an important component of the Asian security system based on the principles of mutual respect for each other's interests. Security in Asia creates the basis for global security,” the Kazakh leader said.

The VI summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia brought together the heads of 11 states, including Putin, Lukashenko, Erdogan, Rouhani, Aliyev, Rakhmon and others. Turkmenistan was represented at the forum by Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov.

ORIENT news
Photo: akorda.kz