Kazakhstan attends Central Asia – OSCE Foreign Ministers' Forum

Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Murat Nurtleu took part in the Forum of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Central Asia and the Secretary General of the Organization for Security and Co–operation in Europe (OSCE), held for the first time in this format in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, the press service of the Kazakh MFA reported.

The forum discussed important aspects of cooperation between the Central Asian states within the OSCE in strengthening border security measures and preventing cross-border threats, strengthening regional interconnectedness, as well as taking joint measures to mitigate the effects of climate change.

Murat Nurtleu noted Kazakhstan's readiness to contribute to the strengthening of the Organization and assist in overcoming difficulties in its activities. “The OSCE has certain advantages over many other organizations, first of all, a unique approach to consensus–based decision-making,” Murat Nurtleu said.

Discussing security issues, the participants noted the importance of ensuring stability in the region, taking into account the development of the situation in Afghanistan, and called on the OSCE to support all efforts to prevent a humanitarian crisis in the country. In this context, Kazakhstan actively supports the establishment of the UN Regional Center for Sustainable Development Goals Center for Central Asia and Afghanistan in Almaty.

Cooperation in the transport and logistics sphere was discussed in a separate block. It was noted that the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route will open new opportunities for mutually beneficial trade and investment cooperation between Asia and Europe. In this regard, Kazakhstan supports the expansion of partnership with European countries within the framework of the EU TENT (Trans-European Transport Network) project.

The forum participants agreed that interconnectedness is an important component of the development of modern states, contributing to cooperation, economic growth and strengthening regional stability. It was emphasized that Central Asia acts as a bridge to connect remote markets, having unique transport capabilities.

Climate change was another topical issue on the agenda. The Kazakh delegation urged the participants to support the initiative of Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to establish a project office of the Central Asian countries on climate and green energy in Almaty.

The foreign ministers also discussed the preparations for the upcoming OSCE Ministerial Meeting scheduled for late 2023 in Skopje, North Macedonia.