Kazakhstan Advocates Asian Unity at Asian Cooperation Dialogue Meeting
Akan Rakhmetullin, First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, participated in the 19th meeting of the heads of foreign affairs agencies of the Asian Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) member states in Tehran, chaired by Iran.
Addressing the gathering, A. Rakhmetullin underscored the critical need for collective action amidst rising geopolitical tensions, climate change impacts, trade disruptions, and declining food and energy security across Asia and the Middle East.
Kazakhstan reaffirmed its commitment to supporting international efforts aimed at enhancing regional security, stability, and conflict resolution. Rakhmetullin highlighted President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s proposed framework for peace and harmony, emphasizing equal dialogue as fundamental to achieving these goals.
The Kazakh delegation also outlined initiatives such as the International Biosafety Agency and the UN Center for Sustainable Development for Central Asia and Afghanistan, based in Almaty. These initiatives aim to address regional and global security challenges and promote development.
Recognizing the imperative to bridge the digital and technological gap in Asia, Kazakhstan invited experts and investors from ACD countries to leverage the Astana Hub platform for practical collaboration in technology and innovation.
The meeting concluded with the adoption of the Tehran Declaration and the approval of the “Basic principles of the functioning of the Secretariat” and the “Rules of Procedures” of the ACD, marking significant steps towards enhancing cooperation among member states.
During the Dialogue, A. Rakhmetullin engaged in bilateral discussions with Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri and Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Reza Najafi. They explored avenues for cooperation within international organizations and opportunities to strengthen bilateral partnerships.
The Asian Cooperation Dialogue, established in 2002, serves as a platform for interstate dialogue and consensus-based decision-making on political and economic cooperation across Asia and the Middle East. Kazakhstan joined the Dialogue in 2003, contributing actively to its objectives.
