President Tokayev Inaugurates New CICA Headquarters in Astana

President Tokayev

Astana, The Gulf Observer: President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan on Wednesday presided over the official inauguration of the new headquarters of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA) in the capital city, Astana, marking a significant milestone for regional cooperation and multilateral diplomacy in Asia.

In a solemn ceremony attended by dignitaries and CICA officials, President Tokayev and CICA Secretary General Kairat Sarybay jointly unveiled a commemorative plaque at the entrance of the newly constructed headquarters. The event featured a ceremonial raising of the CICA flag by a squadron of the Guard of Honor, symbolizing the organization’s strengthened institutional presence.

Following the formalities, the Kazakh President toured the state-of-the-art facility, which includes work rooms, an open space collaboration area, a translation office, a chairmanship hall, and a dedicated museum and library space reflecting the history and mission of CICA.

The inauguration follows the foundation stone laying ceremony held on June 26, 2024, during which a time capsule containing a message to future CICA Secretariat staff was embedded in the building’s structure—a symbolic gesture underscoring the long-term vision and legacy of the organization.

President Tokayev’s participation in the ceremony underscores Kazakhstan’s central role in the development and promotion of CICA, a multilateral forum aimed at enhancing cooperation and confidence among Asian countries in the spheres of security, development, and peace.

The new headquarters is expected to further empower the Secretariat’s capabilities in facilitating dialogue and implementing key initiatives under CICA’s expanding mandate.