Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA)
Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) is a multi-national forum for enhancing cooperation towards promoting peace, security and stability in Asia.
The idea of convening the CICA was first proposed by the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan – Elbasy H.E. Mr. Nursultan Nazarbayev, on 5 October 1992, at the 47th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
Creating an environment of confidence among Member States is central to the basic objectives of CICA. CICA Catalogue of Confidence Building Measures describes various measures and Cooperative Approach for the implementation of the CICA CBMs lays down the procedures for implementing the confidence building measures. Within the framework of the Catalogue, the Confidence Building Measures are categorised under five broad headings: economic dimension, environmental dimension, human dimension, military-political dimension and fight against new challenges and threats.
CICA Secretariat – the administrative body of CICA is located in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan. The Secretariat comprises of Executive Director, Deputy Executive Director and Professional Personnel seconded by the Member States.
CICA Member States: Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Egypt, India, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Pakistan, Palestine, Russia, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Thailand, Turkey, Uzbekistan, United Arab Emirates, Vietnam.
CICA Observer states: Belarus, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, USA, Japan.
CICA Observer Organizations: United Nations, International Organization for Migration, OSCE, League of Arab States, TURKPA.
Chairs: Kazakhstan (2002-2010), Turkey (2010-2014), China (2014-2018), Tajikistan (2018-2020), Kazakhstan (2020-2022).
Main Meetings: First Ministerial Meeting (1999), First Summit (2002), Second Ministerial Meeting (2004), Second Summit (2006), Third Ministerial Meeting (2008), Third Summit (2010), Fourth Ministerial Meeting (2012), Fourth Summit (2014), Fifth Ministerial Meeting (2016), Fifth Summit (2019).
Founding documents: Declaration on the Principles Guiding Relations between the CICA Member States (signed by the CICA Foreign Ministers in 1999) and the Almaty Act (signed by the CICA Heads of State and Government in 2002).
Main documents: CICA Catalogue of Confidence Building Measures, Rules of Procedure (adopted in 2004 as amended in 2014), the CICA Secretariat Agreement and its annex – Financial rules (signed in 2006, ratified by Kazakhstan in February 2007), the Regulation on the CICA symbols, Cooperative approach for the implementation of confidence-building measures, Regulation on the CICA external relations (adopted in 2007), the Agreement on the terms of stay of the Secretariat on the territory of Kazakhstan (signed in 2007, ratified by Kazakhstan in March 2008), Protocol on amendments to the agreement on the CICA Secretariat (signed in 2008), Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the Secretariat, its Personnel, and Representatives of Members of the CICA (signed in 2010, ratified by Kazakhstan on 28 November 2011).
Political declarations: Declaration of the First CICA Summit on Eliminating Terrorism and Promoting Dialogue among Civilizations (2002), Declaration of the Second CICA Ministerial Meeting (2004), Declaration of the Second Summit of Heads of State or Government (2006), Declaration of the Third CICA Ministerial Meeting (2008), Declaration of the Third Summit of Heads of State or Government “Constructing cooperative approach to interaction and security in Asia” (2010), Declaration of the Fourth CICA Ministerial Meeting (2012), Declaration of the Fourth CICA Summit “Strengthening Dialogue, Trust and Coordination for a New Asia of Peace, Stability and Cooperation” (2014), Declaration of the Fifth CICA Ministerial Meeting “Promoting Peace, Security, Stability and Sustainable Development in Asia through Dialogue” (2016), Declaration of the Fifth CICA Summit ” Shared Vision for a Secure and More Prosperous CICA Region” (2019).
Official holiday: October 5 (CICA Day).
Working languages: English and Russian. The language of official documents for signature or acceptance is English.
THE CONCEPT
THE CONCEPT of the Chairmanship of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) in 2020-2022
1. Introduction
The idea of the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Leader of the Nation Nursultan Nazarbayev, to convene the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA), first announced at the 47th session of the UN General Assembly on October 5, 1992, initiated the formation of a new format of cooperation in an area of confidence building and ensuring security in the Asian region.
Since its formation, five summits and five ministerial meetings have been held, at which the basic principles of activities and fundamental statutory documents of the CICA were adopted.
The main objective of the Forum was to create favorable conditions for discussing pressing issues and challenges in area of security between Asian states through an open and constructive dialogue based on the principles of international law and the unacceptability of power politics, differences in economic development, racial, ethnic and religious affiliation.
Over the 28 years of its existence, the Forum has become a dialogue platform for an honest exchange of views on problematic issues of international politics, and has contributed to the strengthening of mutual understanding between the participating members.
The increase in the number of CICA members to 27 states, along with eight countries and five organizations with observer status, demonstrates the relevance of this platform. At the same time, today’s realities require the development of new priorities and more effective mechanisms of cooperation between the CICA member states.
2. Priorities of Kazakhstan’s chairmanship in the CICA
Kazakhstan, relying on the positive experience of the previous
Chairs – Turkey, China and Tajikistan, plans to intensify the work on further advancement of the CICA process.
Kazakhstan’s chairmanship will be based on the principles of openness, impartiality and carried out in accordance with the norms of international law.
In the context of globalization, the world is becoming more interconnected and interdependent. As a result, today’s challenges are becoming universal. The decline in the efficiency of global governance institutions, primarily the UN, and the erosion of international law continues.
The system of strategic stability and control over nuclear weapons is being dismantled, accompanied by an arms race and the development of new systems and types of weapons.
Terrorism, extremism and drug trafficking are becoming increasingly transnational in nature, mastering modern technologies and new spheres of influence.
Changes in global economic architecture are worrying. Trade, investment and technological protectionism is replacing multilateral cooperation within the framework of global platforms. The effectiveness of the World Trade Organization (WTO) is decreasing, the attractiveness of regional and bilateral alliances is increasing.
Cybercrime and incitement to hatred have become a major component of information warfare aimed at manipulating public consciousness, failing life support systems and national security.
The spread of Covid-19 has shown that the outbreak of epidemic diseases and pandemics around the world can pose an extreme biological threat not only to human survival, but also to national, regional and global economies and security.
Problems of ensuring food, energy, water and environmental security remain urgent. Illegal and uncontrolled migration is on the rise.
In these conditions, only active collective interaction and an open dialogue of civilizations can determine the right decisions that ensure stability and sustainable development of all nations.
In this regard, Kazakhstan proposes the following theme for its chairmanship: Partnership for Security and Development in Asia.
• Consistent promotion of the institutional development of the CICA
In the context of these challenges and threats, the initiative to create an Organization for Security and Development in Asia (OSDA) on the basis of the CICA is particularly relevant. This idea was put forward by First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Leader of the Nation Nursultan Nazarbayev during the 4th Meeting of CICA Foreign Ministers (September 12, 2012) and subsequently announced by him at the CICA Shanghai Summit (May 21, 2014).
The President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, during the 5th CICA Summit in Dushanbe stressed that “to increase the efficiency and international competitiveness of the Forum, it is necessary to gradually transform it into a full-fledged regional organization.”
The CICA’s transformation into such an organization will expand its capabilities to strengthen cooperation between the member states, cover the entire Asian space with a system of deep mutual trust and mutual assistance, as well as increase the status and influence of the Forum in the international arena.
The implementation of such new measures as the creation of the CICA Fund, which was reflected in the Declaration of the Dushanbe Summit, the establishment of the CICA Council of Eminent Persons, and the transformation of the CICA Analytical Centers Forum into a permanent platform, will help to increase the effectiveness of the Conference and its authority at the global level.
In addition, it is advisable to update the creation of a full-fledged institution of the CICA Troika consisting of representatives of the current, future and previous chairpersons of the Conference, as well as the establishment of the Club of Ambassadors of the CICA member states in Nur-Sultan with its subsequent transformation into the Council of Permanent Representatives.
These measures will contribute to the further institutionalization of the Forum and will improve the efficiency of interaction between the CICA member states.
2.2. CICA in international context
CICA will remain committed to the Charter of the United Nations and its legally binding documents. In the context of the changing situation in Asia, CICA will keep pace with the global processes and the key points of the UN agenda, including the 2030 Agenda with 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Decade of Action for the implementation of the SDGs.
CICA will also participate in UN efforts to ensure equality and empowerment of women and youth, as well as other vulnerable groups, in order to strive for inclusive development and the “leave no one behind” principle.
CICA will be committed to mitigating climate change and the implementation of the Paris Agreement. Thus, regional measures taken by the CICA member states will contribute to international efforts in this area.
It is vital to implement the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, promoted by the Code of Conduct towards Achieving a World Free of Terrorism. No less crucial are the new “Sustaining Peace” Agenda of the UN Secretary General A. Guterres, the Development System Reform, the Disarmament Agenda and the Peacekeeping Reform, which will be of great importance for the CICA region.
2.3. Practical implementation of the CICA Catalogue of Confidence Building Measures
Kazakhstan’s chairmanship will focus in particular on the implementation of the Catalogue of Confidence Building Measures, which is a fundamental tool for promoting the goals and objectives of the CICA.
If necessary and upon agreement with the Member States, new confidence-building measures can be introduced depending on changes in the international agenda. Therefore, taking into account the latest trends, it is proposed to consider the development of cooperation in the field of epidemiological security, public health, pharmaceuticals, digitalization, as well as expand humanitarian and social interaction in the CICA format.
At the same time, confidence-building measures should be implemented in accordance with the existing dimensions of the CICA, includingeconomic, military-political, human and environmental, as well as the fight against new challenges and threats.
It seems important to intensify the activities of the coordinators and co-coordinators of confidence-building measures in the context of the Forum’s activities. To this end, it is necessary to update the existing concepts and action plans for each measure of confidence in close cooperation with the relevant UN entities, agencies and departments of the UN Secretariat. This will enhance the authority and role of the CICA in strengthening peace and security in Asia.
Furthermore, it is necessary to introduce a practice of regular meetings of representatives of business, non-governmental, women’s and youth organizations in the framework of the Business and Youth Councils, non-governmental and business forums of the CICA. This will contribute to further deepening cooperation between the CICA member states. In addition, the ongoing activities should be aimed at enhancing the authority and role of CICA in strengthening peace and security in Asia.
2.4. Expansion of external relations
Kazakhstan, as Chair, will continue to strengthen the dialogue with international and regional organizations and forums in accordance with the Guidelines for CICA’s External Relations of 2007.
CICA was conferred observer status by the United Nations General Assembly at its 62nd session. In order to develop relations with other organizations, CICA signed a Memorandums of Understanding with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).
Kazakhstan will prioritize the development of a three-level and multidimensional dialogue within the Three D initiative proposed by Nursultan Nazarbayev in 2019.
In the upcoming biennium, developing the concept of a new global architecture of relations between world powers, regional actors and organizations, which is so necessary in the current geopolitical reality, will continue. At the same time, attention will be focused on the Eurasian subcontinent, where CICA and the OSCE could closely cooperate to agree on their mandates and objectives.
In addition to cooperation with the UN, it is important for CICA to develop cooperation with such organizations as the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Turkic Council, Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD), Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC), League of Arab States (LAS), etc.
Cooperation with these international organizations will further expand joint efforts to enhance security and sustainable development in Eurasia. Despite the fact that these organizations and forums pursue individual regional and political agendas, they operate within the UN principles, as does the CICA.
Kazakhstan’s chairmanship at CICA coincides with the chairmanship at the Group of Landlocked Developing Countries, and, therefore, the latter countries, which are also members of CICA, will additionally benefit from their membership.
2.5. Capacity building of the CICA Secretariat
It is important to further strengthen the role of the CICA Secretariat, firstlyby consolidating its human resources and financial stability.
The Secretariat shall carry out the effective work to provide administrative, organizational and technical support for the CICA activities. Special attention will be given to strengthening the work of the Secretariat on implementing the agreements reached within the framework of the meetings of SWG, CSO, CFM, and the Summits.
In addition, Kazakhstan is planning to initiate the introduction of amendments to the Regulations on the CICA Secretariat in order to elevate the Executive Director of the CICA Secretariat to Secretary General of CICA, transform the positions of members of professional personnel into advisers on political, economic, cultural and humanitarian issues, as well as ensure representation of all sub-regions of Asia among the professional and technical staff of the Secretariat.
2.6. Improving the legal framework
Kazakhstan’s chairmanship will be focused on the further development of the CICA legal framework in order to establish effective institutions and mechanisms in the field of ensuring comprehensive, equal and indivisible security of Asia.
3. Conclusion
Further institutional development of CICA requires careful thought and discussion by all member states, while taking into account existing global and regional challenges and threats.
As the CICA Chair, Kazakhstan will be open to dialogue on all issues concerning the activities of the Forum, as well as to discussing proposals and ideas of the member states on the further development of CICA.
Kazakhstan is guided by the notion that an effective security architecture in Asia can be established only through joint efforts. In this regard, we welcome the active participation of all member states in advancing the CICA process. We hope that these measures will contribute to the achievement of the objectives of CICA as a truly multilateral organization within the extended international community.
Our firm resolve must be aimed at effectively addressing current crises and challenges together for the sake of peace, progress and prosperity in Asia.
Almaty Act
Preamble
We, the Heads of State or Government of the Member States of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA),
Having met in Almaty at a time of profound changes which are taking place in Asia and the world to set up our vision of security in Asia and enhance our capabilities for co-operation on issues of common concern for our peoples;
Recognising the close link between peace, security and stability in Asia and in the rest of the world;
Committing ourselves to working to ensure peace and security in Asia and making it a region open to dialogue and co-operation;
Believing that the CICA process presents new opportunities for co-operation, peace and security in Asia;
Declaring our determination to form in Asia a common and indivisible area of security, where all states peacefully co-exist, and their peoples live in conditions of peace, freedom and prosperity, and confident that peace, security and development complement, sustain and reinforce each other;
Reaffirming our commitment to the UN Charter, as well as to the Declaration on the Principles Guiding Relations Among CICA Member States, which is an integral part of the Almaty Act, as the basis for our future co-operation;
Considering that all aspects of comprehensive security in Asia, including its political and military aspects, confidence-building measures, economic and environmental issues, humanitarian and cultural co-operation, are interdependent and interrelated and should be pursued actively;
Confident that full, equal and comprehensive implementation and observance of the principles, provisions and commitments enshrined in the Almaty Act will create the conditions for advanced co-operation among the CICA Member States and will guide us towards a better future, which our peoples deserve;
Have adopted the following:
I. Security and co-operation
1. The main objective and thrust of the CICA will be to enhance co-operation through elaborating multilateral approaches towards promoting peace, security and stability in Asia.
2. In order to achieve this objective, the Member States will take the necessary steps to develop the CICA as a forum for dialogue, consultations and adoption of decisions and measures on the basis of consensus on security issues in Asia.
3. We call upon and continue to encourage all Member States who are parties to a dispute to settle this peacefully in conformity with the principles envisaged in the UN Charter.
4. Recognising the contribution which increased trade and economic co-operation can make for the prosperity and stability in Asia and to the well-being of their peoples, we will make further efforts to promote initiatives in these fields, as mentioned in the Declaration on the Principles Guiding Relations among the CICA Member States. We also recognise the need for better co-operation on all issues which constitute risks to the environment.
5. 5. The Member States reiterate their belief that protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms in accordance with the UN Charter and the international conventions and instruments to which they are parties contributes to the consolidation of peace, security and stability in Asia. They also declare their readiness to further their co-operation in this field in a spirit of friendliness.
6. We consider that humanitarian issues, such as natural disasters and refugee flows, are areas of common concern since they also affect stability and security in the region. The Member States are resolved to developing measures, where necessary, to address these issues through co-operation in the region as well as with the UN and other relevant international organisations.
7. We believe that enhancing mutual respect, mutual understanding and tolerance in the relations among civilisations is an important goal for our times. Noting with satisfaction the designation of the first year of the millennium as the year of Dialogue among Civilisations, we shall encourage and strengthen this process.
8. We consider globalisation as a challenge of our time. While it could offer certain opportunities for growth and development, at present the benefits of globalisation are unevenly shared among the nations and much remains to be done to ensure that its benefits be comprehensively and equitably distributed at the global level.
9. Joint actions and co-ordinated responses are necessary to deal with challenges and threats that our states and peoples are faced with.
II. Challenges to security
10. The Member States seek to promote regional and international security and stability, which will also contribute to peaceful settlement of existing and prevention of the emergence of new crisis situations and disputes.
11. The continuing existence and proliferation in all its aspects of nuclear weapons, as well as chemical and biological weapons, pose a great threat to all humanity. The Member States pledge to support the efforts for the global elimination of all weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and therefore they commit themselves to an increased co-operation for the prevention of proliferation of all such weapons, including nuclear weapons, which constitute a particular danger to international peace and security.
12. With the end of the Cold War, the opportunity now exists for the international community to pursue nuclear disarmament as a matter of the highest priority. We shall encourage all nations to keep all options open for achieving this aim, including the possibilities of convening an international conference to identify ways of eliminating nuclear dangers and negotiating a comprehensive and verifiable nuclear weapons convention. We affirm the importance of the early realisation of the universal adherence to the multilaterally negotiated instruments on the elimination of WMD, and urge those states not yet party to these instruments to accede to them as soon as possible.
13. We support the establishment of zones free from nuclear weapons and other WMD in Asia on the basis of arrangements freely arrived at among the states of the region concerned. The establishment of such zones in regions for which consensus resolutions of the UN General Assembly exist, such as the Middle East and Central Asia, should be encouraged; in this context, we invite adherence to internationally negotiated disarmament and non-proliferation instruments in accordance with all the provisions of the relevant consensus resolutions of the UN and the positions of states concerned on the implementation of these resolutions.
14. The Member States reaffirm their belief in the need of ensuring security at the lowest level of armament and military forces. We recognise the necessity to curb excessive and destabilising accumulation of conventional armaments. We emphasise the importance of the maintenance of the international strategic stability to world peace and security and to the continued progress of arms control and disarmament. We emphasise the importance of multilateral negotiations on the prevention of an arms race in outer space.
15. We believe that direct or indirect threat or use of force in violation of the UN Charter and international law against the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of the states; denial of the right to self-determination of peoples which remain under foreign occupation (a right which has to be exercised in accordance with the UN Charter and international law); interference in the internal affairs of states and offensive strategic doctrines pose threats to regional and international peace.
16. The Member States unconditionally and unequivocally condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations as well as any support or acquiescence to it and the failure to directly condemn it. The threat posed by terrorism has been increasingly growing over the last decade. Terrorism in all its forms is a trans-national threat, which endangers the lives of individuals and peoples and undermines the territorial integrity, unity, sovereignty and security of states. The menace of terrorism has been magnified by its close links with drug trafficking, illicit trafficking of small arms and light weapons (SALWs) and their transfers in any form to terrorist groups, racist ideologies, separatism, all forms of extremism which present basic sources of financing and providing manpower for terrorist activities. We regard as criminal all acts, methods and practices of terrorism and declare our determination to co-operate on bilateral as well as multilateral basis to combat terrorism including its possible sources. In order to eradicate this menace to peace and security, we shall reinforce and unite our efforts in order not to allow terrorism in any form to be prepared, assisted, launched and financed from the territory of any state and we shall refuse to provide terrorists with safe haven and protection.
17. We recognise that implementation of the UN Conventions will contribute to tackling the problems of terrorism and support the elaboration of a Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism.
18. Separatism is one of the main threats and challenges to the security and stability, sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of states. The Member States shall not support on the territory of another Member State any separatist movements and entities, and, if such emerge, not to establish political, economic and other kinds of relations with them, not to allow the territories and communications of the Member States to be used by the above-mentioned movements and entities, and not to render them any kind of economic, financial and other assistance. We reaffirm the right of people living under foreign occupation for self-determination in accordance with the UN Charter and international law.
19. We reject the use of religion as a pretext by terrorists and separatist movements and groups to achieve their objectives. We also reject all forms of extremism and will work to promote tolerance among our nations and peoples.
20. Illicit drug trafficking represents a major threat to internal and international stability and security of our states and our continent as a whole as well as to the well-being of our peoples. This problem is closely linked with the socio-economic and political situation in several regions, terrorist activities across the world, and international criminal groups engaged in trans-national crime, money laundering and illicit SALW trafficking. We recognise that there are several states in Asia which require priority attention and assistance by the international community in order to combat drug trafficking. We also recognise the need for effective strategies to reduce production, supply and demand for drugs. In this respect, we will co-operate to monitor suspicious financial flows, including issues related to incomes and transparency of bank operations in accordance with the existing international legal instruments, and to identify the sources of production, consumption and trafficking of drugs. In order to assist the practical implementation of these tasks, multinational training courses and exercises as well as exchange of information among the competent authorities of the Member States will be promoted. We also call upon major consuming countries to play a more active role in providing equipment, training and educational courses, rehabilitation, technical and financial assistance to Asian drug producing and transit countries. Adoption and implementation of crop substitution plans and alternative development strategies in drug producing regions in Asia should also be encouraged to tackle the menace of illicit drugs more effectively.
21. We also recognise corruption as a trans-national crime which calls for concerted multilateral action. In this regard, we emphasise the need for banning the transfer of illicit funds and wealth and also the need for enhanced international co-operation in tracing and repatriating such assets.
22. The Member States recognise that illicit traffic in small arms and light weapons poses a threat to peace and security and is directly linked with terrorist activity, separatist movements, drug trafficking and armed conflicts. In this context, we underline the importance of the Firearms Protocol reached in the framework of the UN Convention against Transnational Organised Crime and the Programme of Action adopted by the UN Conference on the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All its Aspects which was held in New York in July 2001.
23. We are determined to co-operate with each other on bilateral and multilateral basis to prevent such threats to peace and security in Asia.
III. Confidence Building Measures
24. In the context of achieving CICA objectives, we will take the necessary steps for the elaboration and implementation of measures aimed at enhancing co-operation and creating an atmosphere of peace, confidence and friendship. Such measures should be in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter, CICA, and international law. In doing so, we will take into account specific features and characteristics in various regions in Asia and proceed on a gradual and voluntary basis.
25. We encourage all states in the region having disputes to make efforts to solve their disputes peacefully through negotiations in accordance with the principles enshrined in the UN Charter and international law. We recognise that the resolution of territorial and other disputes and implementation of arms control agreements may, depending upon specific situations, facilitate implementation of confidence building measures (CBMs); on the other hand, we also recognise that implementation of CBMs may, depending upon specific situations, facilitate, or create a conducive climate for, the resolution of disputes and arms control agreements.
26. We recognise that disarmament and arms control, universality of all internationally negotiated instruments on the elimination of weapons of mass destruction, promoting non-proliferation, have a significant role in enhancing confidence building among regional states. We affirm that being a State Party to the relevant internationally negotiated instruments should not be interpreted as affecting the inalienable right of all parties to those treaties to develop research, production and use of nuclear technology, chemical and biological materials and equipment for peaceful purposes in accordance with the provisions of these instruments. We reiterate the importance of negative security assurances to the non-nuclear-weapon states and express our readiness to consider further steps on this subject which could take the form of an internationally legally binding instrument.
27. The Member States will prepare with mutual agreement a “CICA Catalogue of Confidence Building Measures” and proceed on a gradual basis for its implementation. The Catalogue, which will be regularly reviewed and further developed, may include, among others, measures in the military–political, economic and environmental, humanitarian and cultural spheres.
IV. Structure and institutions of CICA
28. In order to facilitate its efficient functioning, we have decided to provide for CICA the necessary structure and institutions, consisting mainly of the following:
1. Regular meetings
29. The meetings of the Heads of State or Government will be convened every four years in order to conduct consultations, review the progress of, and set priorities for CICA activities. Special meetings may be convened as necessary by consensus. Summit meetings will be preceded by meetings of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs.
30. The Ministers of Foreign Affairs will meet every two years. Their meetings will be the central forum for consultations and examination of all issues related to CICA activities. Special meetings may be convened as necessary by consensus.
31. The Committee of Senior Officials will meet at least once a year to follow-up on previous CICA decisions, carry out consultations on the current CICA issues, oversee the work of Special Working Groups and co-ordinate the work of other meetings. The Committee will also make the necessary preparations for the organisation of the Summit and ministerial meetings, including elaboration of draft documents.
32. Special Working Groups will be established to study specific issues relevant to CICA’s areas of interest and to carry out the tasks mandated to them. They will submit the results of their work to the Committee of Senior Officials.
2. Specialised meetings
33. The Member States may agree to convene meetings of other ministers or of the competent national agencies and institutions in order to discuss issues of a specific and/or technical nature.
3. Academic and professional inputs
34. Opportunities will be provided as necessary for academic and professional inputs and reports, as well as assistance and contributions to publications which CICA may decide to produce.
4. Secretariat
35. In order to provide follow-up and administrative support for regular meetings and political consultations and other activities mentioned in the Almaty Act, we support the establishment of a Secretariat of the CICA. We task our Ministers of Foreign Affairs to finalise the elaboration of all aspects related to the establishment of the Secretariat.
Done in Almaty, June 4, 2002
CICA CATALOGUE OF CONFIDENCE BUILDING MEASURES (CBMs)
Adopted by the decision of the CICA Ministers of Foreign Affairs meeting
CICA CATALOGUE OF CONFIDENCE BUILDING MEASURES (CBMs)
The Member States of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA),
With the aim of enhancing cooperation, creating and strengthening an atmosphere of peace, confidence and friendship on the Asian continent,
Acting in accordance with the principles and purposes of the UN Charter, Almaty Act and other CICA documents as well as universally recognized norms and principles of international law,
Taking into account specific situations and peculiarities of different regions of Asia,
Have adopted the following principles and measures, leading to strengthening of confidence on the Asian continent and have agreed to their realization in practice on bilateral and/or multilateral basis.
1. General provisions.
1.1 The Member States recognize that the confidence building measures, on the one hand, peaceful settlement of disputes and implementation of agreements on arms control and disarmament, on the other, are complementary and may, depending upon specific situations, be pursued simultaneously by the concerned States through mutual consent.
1.2 The diversity in Asia underscores the importance of measures in military-political dimension as well as in economic, environmental and human dimensions.
1.3 The CICA CBMs will be applied on a gradual and voluntary basis. The CICA Catalogue of Confidence Building Measures and measures identified in it are recommendatory in nature. Any Member State may select certain measures identified in this Catalogue for implementation, where feasible and appropriate. Measures selected by the Member States should be pursued in good faith and to the full extent possible.
• Confidence building measures of the Catalogue are without prejudice to other CBMs, security agreements and/or arrangements on arms control and disarmament, to which the Member States are parties, and these measures will not affect the rights and obligations under these agreements and/or arrangements.
• Nothing in this Catalogue prevents the Member States from adopting other confidence building measures among themselves or with other states.
1.6 The Member States concerned may exchange information within the context of CBMs agreed upon by them. They may also consider submitting this information to the CICA Secretariat for further dissemination.
1.7 The Member State receiving information under the provisions of this Catalogue cannot disclose, publish or transfer it to any third party without the consent of the Member States providing such information.
1.8 The Member States will regularly review implementation of this Catalogue in order to identify the most effective and suitable CBMs for wider implementation in the CICA region and, when necessary, modify or amend those CBMs by consensus.
2. Confidence building measures in military-political dimension
In order to ensure lasting stability, strengthen mutual confidence in military-political dimension, while taking into account their legitimate security interests, the Member States may undertake the following measures:
2.1 Exchange of information, the scope, feasibility and modalities of which will be agreed by the Member States concerned, in accordance with their national laws and regulations, on the following:
1. a) components of armed forces;
2. b) defense budgets;
3. c) presence of foreign military contingents on the territories of the Member States, if release of this information is permitted by the country deploying such a contingent.
4. d) notification of planned military activities, including exercises with participation of foreign military contingents, where modalities and parameters of such notification are agreed upon by the Member States concerned.
2.2 Inviting observers from Member States to military exercises.
2.3 Considering mechanisms such as consultation on unexpected and hazardous incidents of a military nature, especially if such incidents occur in close proximity to the border areas of the Member States.
2.4 Developing the following forms of cooperation between their armed forces:
1. mutual visits by the military authorities and representatives of defense colleges;
2. mutual invitations for participation in national holidays, cultural and sport events;
3. information exchange on CV’s of top military personnel;
4. other forms of cooperation as agreed by the Member States.
2.5 Exchange of information on the status of their accession to or ratification of multilateral instruments on arms control and disarmament as well as conventions on the outer space.
3. Fight against new challenges and threats
3.1 The Member States will, in accordance with their national legislation, take cooperative measures in curbing terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and in preventing activities of separatist and extremist organizations, with the aim of promoting security and stability of each Member State.
3.2 The Member States will exchange information concerning fight against terrorist, separatist, extremist activities and organized criminal groups and when necessary, develop mechanisms to combat their activities. For this purpose, the Members States may also exchange information on their national authorities in law enforcement sphere and assist in establishing and strengthening contacts between these authorities.
3.3 The Member States may take measures to strengthen cooperation in sharing information in order to deal effectively with proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery.
3.4 The Member States will exchange information on the measures they have taken to curb drug trafficking, human trafficking, money laundering, trans-boundary organized crime, illicit trade in small arms and light weapons, including Man Portable Air Defense Systems (MANPADS) as well as smuggling of explosives and poisonous materials.
3.5 The Member States will exchange information on the status of their accession to or ratification of the relevant international legal instruments on terrorism and organized crime as well as the steps they have taken to promote fight against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and organized crime in accordance with the UN Charter and international law.
4. Confidence building measures in economic, environmental and human dimensions
In order to promote and strengthen mutual confidence in economic, environmental and human dimensions the Member States may adopt the following measures in accordance with their national laws and regulations:
4.1 Establishment of a common database and a system of data exchange in trade and economic spheres.
4.2 Development and application of common programs on environment protection, especially in border areas, without prejudice to their rights and obligations under relevant bilateral and multilateral instruments.
4.3 Exchange of information on natural and industrial disasters on their territories which in their view may affect their neighbors.
4.4 Exchange of information on their national authorities responsible for development of international tourism and tourist infrastructure and assistance in establishing and strengthening contacts between these authorities.
4.5 Exchange of information regarding suspicious financial transactions, illegal financial operations and assistance in establishing and strengthening contacts between appropriate authorities.
4.6 Exchange of information on their national authorities responsible for disaster management, search-rescue operations with a view to facilitating the establishment and strengthening of contacts between these authorities. Where necessary, the Member States will identify a coordination body, authorized to organize interaction of disaster management and rescue services, and creation of a system of assistance in case of natural disasters and emergency situations.
4.7 Elaboration and implementation of joint projects, aimed at disseminating information on culture and traditions of their peoples, promoting mutual respect and good-neighborly relations between peoples.
4.8 Promotion of contacts between their scientific and educational institutions and non-governmental organizations, including scientific exchanges, exchange of students, joint events with the purpose of, inter alia, elaborating proposals and projects for the achievement of CICA objectives.
4.9 Promotion of dialogue among civilizations, including dialogue among religions.
Almaty, October 22, 2004
https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-delhi/projects/details/2011?lang=en
Schedule of international events for 2021 under the CICA
