President Nguyen Xuan Phuc (right) and Ambassador Kairat Sarybay, Executive Director of the Secretariat of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measure in Asia (CICA). Photo: VNA

At a reception for Ambassador Kairat Sarybay, Executive Director of the Secretariat of the CICA, in Hanoi on April 8, President Nguyen Xuan Phuc stressed that peace, security and development in the region and the world are of significance.

All countries need to make every effort to contribute to enhancing cooperation in economy, trade, investment and the fight against global challenges, especially climate change, diseases, terrorism and cross-border crime, he said, as cited by VietnamPlus.

He also called on CICA to carry forward its operational principles, including those on respecting sovereignty, territorial integrity and equality, respecting each other; not using or threatening to use force; peacefully settling disputes; not intervening into internal affairs; promoting multilateral cooperation; and observing international law and the United Nations Charter.

Since its inception 30 years ago, CICA has developed strongly, becoming a major forum on enhancing dialogue, consolidating strategic trust, and strengthening collaboration between member countries for peace, cooperation and prosperity in Asia, the President emphasised.

He suggested CICA support the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)’s and Vietnam’s stance to ensure peace, safety and freedom of navigation and aviation in the East Sea and address disputes through peaceful measures in accordance with international law, the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the UN Charter.

President Nguyen Xuan Phuc (right) and Ambassador Kairat Sarybay, Executive Director of the Secretariat of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measure in Asia (CICA). Photo: VNA

Vietnam consistently pursues a foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, being a responsible member of the international community, actively joining CICA activities and working to promote cooperation in economy, trade, agriculture, tourism and environmental protection between member countries, he affirmed.

The President asked Sarybay to convey his greetings and sentiments to leaders and people of Kazakhstan, and lauded the good friendship and cooperation between the two countries, with two-way trade last year doubling the figure in 2020.

He also commended Kazakhstan, which is one of the founding members of CICA, for its significant contributions to the forum's development over the past time.

Ambassador Sarybay expressed his hope that with its increasing prestige and position, Vietnam will make more contributions to CICA for peace, security and prosperity in the region.

He said leaders and people of Kazakhstan have admired late President Ho Chi Minh as well as Vietnam’s struggle for national liberation in the past and its socio-economic reforms.

On this occasion, Sarybay handed over a letter of Kazakh President Kassym Jomart Tokayev to President Phuc, inviting the Vietnamese leader to attend the sixth CICA Summit, slated for October 2022 in Kazakhstan.

President Phuc confirmed Vietnam’s participation in the Summit, and noted his belief that the event will be a success.

According to the CICA, when addressing the students and faculty of the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam as part of his visit, Ambassador Sarybay spoke about the 30-year history of CICA, achievements in realisation of the priorities of the Kazakh Chairmanship, and shared the future tasks of the Conference.

The Executive Director emphasised the crucial importance of interaction among the academic, scientific, and research communities within the so-called “Track Two” to elaborate new ideas and innovative solutions to the challenges facing the CICA member states.

During the meeting, the leadership of the Diplomatic Academy was invited to consider joining the CICA Think Tank Forum, which was granted the status of a permanent advisory body of CICA in 2021. Academy Vice President Nguyen Hung Son welcomed the idea and expressed particular interest in its implementation.

The visit of the CICA Secretariat delegation has become another contribution to preparation of the substantive content of the upcoming Sixth CICA Summit, and will also give impetus to the further participation of Vietnam in the CICA platform./.

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