Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has said that Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) member states must take a firm stance in supporting the rights of Palestine, which is among the group’s members, as well as in opposing ongoing oppression and grave violations.
Addressing the 7th CICA Summit in Azerbaijan’s capital Baku on Thursday, Fidan said: “We cannot uphold this commitment while Israel, a CICA member, violates the fundamental rights of the Palestinian people through a systematic policy of oppression.”
“A lasting solution requires the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital,” he stressed.
Stronger CICA essential for Asia’s security, prosperity
Fidan stressed that a stronger CICA is essential to ensuring peace and prosperity at a time when Asia’s rise is shaping the global landscape.
“Türkiye is committed to strengthening CICA as Asia’s most inclusive security forum,” he said.
“We must enhance economic security and improve connectivity by expanding transport links and diversifying energy corridors,” he said.
Fidan highlighted the importance of the Middle Corridor project, saying it would significantly boost the effectiveness of China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
“This will not only facilitate trade between Asia and Europe but also help us build new bridges for people-to-people contacts,” he said.
On the Development Road project from Iraq’s Grand Faw Port through Türkiye, Fidan said: “This project will connect the Gulf to Europe through Iraq and Türkiye while also supporting stability and prosperity in the region and beyond.”
Improving coordination
Fidan also highlighted the importance of enhancing synergies among different regional cooperation mechanisms in Asia.
“Improving coordination among CICA, the Organization of Turkic States, the Economic Cooperation Organization, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization will undoubtedly strengthen connectivity across the continent,” he said.
Noting that connectivity also extends to the digital world, Fidan said cooperation in science, technology, and innovation should be deepened under CICA to ensure that artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies benefit people not only in Asia but around the world.
The Turkish foreign minister also said sustainable development requires action to address environmental challenges, noting that Türkiye continues to play a leading role in tackling the effects of climate change.
