BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 15. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met with his Turkish counterpart, Hakan Fidan, in Baku on the sidelines of the summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) on Thursday.
This was reported by the press service of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
According to the information, the top diplomats discussed cooperation between Moscow and Ankara in the trade, economic, and energy sectors.
"An exchange of views took place regarding current tasks for intensifying cooperation in the trade, economic, and energy spheres, with special attention paid to the progress of key bilateral projects," the report noted.
Furthermore, the ministers affirmed the importance of coordinating the efforts of Russia and Türkiye on the international stage, including contributing to achieving a fair resolution to the conflict in Ukraine.
Meanwhile, the Seventh Summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA) is taking place in Baku under Azerbaijan’s chairmanship.
The summit will review the progress made in the CICA transformation process, which began in 2022, as well as the results of Azerbaijan’s chairmanship in strengthening the organization and promoting practical cooperation among member states.
The summit is attended by heads of state and government, as well as delegations from CICA member states, observer states, observer organizations, and partner entities.
The summit presents an important opportunity to discuss issues of dialogue and confidence-building among member states in a complex international environment characterized by intensifying interstate tensions, escalating conflicts, and the emergence of new hotspots of tension, including in Asia.
One of the summit’s most significant outcomes is considered to be the admission of Laos into the CICA as a new member. The event will also be marked by the adoption of documents aimed at intensifying activities within the CICA and improving cooperation in specific areas.
Guided by the motto “Stronger CICA: Connectivity, Digitalization and Sustainable Growth in Asia,” Azerbaijan promoted dialogue and results-oriented cooperation during its chairmanship from 2024 to 2026.
The Baku Declaration is expected to be the summit’s main political document. In it, Azerbaijan’s chairmanship of the CICA will receive the approval of all member states, and the initiatives put forward and activities carried out over the past two years in various areas will be welcomed. The document will also contain specific provisions regarding the strengthening of the international order and ways to counter risks in the military-political, economic, environmental, and other spheres.
The Baku Declaration will place special emphasis on promoting tolerance and intercultural dialogue, advancing the use of science, education, and innovation in the interests of security and well-being, as well as the opportunities and risks associated with the development of artificial intelligence.
In addition to the Baku Declaration, the summit also plans to adopt a separate statement on occupational safety and health.