Opening statement at the
Central Asian Forum on Security and Cooperation “Asia in the Changing World: Agenda for the Future”
Ladies and gentlemen,
I would like to welcome you all in Astana and cordially thank for attending the first Central Asian Forum on Security and Cooperation. This event has brought together many outstanding experts from various fields, and it’s an honor and pleasure to have you here.
I am confident that the upcoming discussions will contribute to a better understanding of the current geopolitical challenges and opportunities in Asia.
Before I proceed with my remarks, allow me to read out the following welcoming address by the President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
“Dear participants of the Forum,
I am glad to welcome you in our capital at such a landmark high-level event.
It is gratifying that the idea to hold this Forum has attracted great interest from intellectuals, experts and academics from leading international analytical centers.
In the current complex global environment, direct and open dialogue with the expert community has become an urgent necessity.
Today, the world is facing unprecedented challenges. We are witnessing a dangerous erosion of the very foundations of the international relations system, rising geostrategic tensions, and global economic uncertainty.
Widespread ecological imbalance and social inequality caused dramatic consequences. Of particular concern are negative trends such as a lack of trust, ideological polarization, and information wars.
Any systemic crisis, however, in addition to creating a wide range of threats, also brings with it new unique opportunities, including for Central Asia.
It is therefore important for us to focus our efforts on seeking constructive ideas and effective approaches to building a more safer and just world.
Leading political scientists, economists, prestigious think tanks and research institutes are called upon to play a key role in this process.
High-profile specialists and experts can greatly contribute to strengthening the agency of our region on the international arena, as well as to fostering intraregional interaction and creative partnerships.
As we seek to comprehend our region’s mission in the modern world, we should, first of all, proceed from common intrinsic security interests and an unwavering aspiration towards comprehensive cooperation on the path toward sustainable progress.
It is not a coincidence that our country has unwaveringly stood by the formula “A successful Central Asia means a successful Kazakhstan.”
I do believe, an optimal model of sustainable regional development should be based on three interrelated elements: an effective public administration system, a competitive market economy and a socially responsible inclusive society.
I am confident that the Central Asian Security and Cooperation Forum will contribute to the consolidation of the region’s intellectual capital in the interests of our countries’ strengthened stability, solidarity, and sustainable development.
I wish you a fruitful work and new accomplishments!
Sincerely, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev” – end of message