Constructing cooperative approach to interaction and security in Asia

We, the Heads of State and Government of the Member States of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA);

Having met in Istanbul, Republic of Turkey, for the Third CICA Summit on 8 June 2010 to strengthen joint efforts towards addressing common challenges, as appropriate, through elaborating effective responses and initiatives thereof;

Reaffirming our commitment and adherence to the UN Charter and generally recognised principles and norms of international law;

Reaffirming our commitment to the objectives and principles of CICA enshrined in the basic documents, including Declaration on the Principles Guiding Relations among the CICA Member States of 14 September 1999 and Almaty Act of 4 June 2002;

Mindful of mutual interests and common challenges faced by the CICA Member States and convinced of the need to further strengthen the existing bonds of Asian solidarity and cooperation;

Acknowledging diversity of traditions, culture and values in Asia as valuable and mutually enriching factors in relations among the CICA Member States;

Recognising the central role of the United Nations in addressing international issues;

Emphasising the importance of international law based multilateral approach towards international issues to be pursued by all States;

Recognising that international and regional cooperation are important, effective and efficient instruments in addressing the issues of common concern faced by the global community;

Desiring to establish a firm foundation for common action to promote cooperation in the CICA region in the spirit of equality and partnership and thereby contribute towards peace, progress and prosperity in the region;

Offering CICA, in this regard, as a multilateral forum for close cooperation, inter alia political dialogue and interaction, comprehensive consultation and decision making based on consensus;

Acknowledging further that globalisation, multilateralism and growing interdependence among states require collective efforts within the framework of the United Nations, with its leading role, and other international fora, for fostering peace, understanding, tolerance and respect for diversity, good neighborliness, economic well-being and mutually beneficial cooperation among all states and nations, as well as for achieving a more just and democratic world order, based on the principles and norms of international law;

Underlining the importance of implementation of confidence building measures in all dimensions, on voluntary and gradual basis, as specified in the CICA Catalogue of CBMs and other CICA documents, adopted by consensus;

Reaffirming the resolve of the CICA Member States to create an environment of comprehensive and indivisible security in Asia, where all States co-exist peacefully and their peoples live in peace, freedom and prosperity;

Reaffirming that the achievements of CICA, since its establishment, owe greatly to its inclusiveness and the principle of consensus in its process, a practice which should be upheld;

DECLARE THE FOLLOWING:

I

1. We recognise that the current global scenario presents great challenges in the areas of peace, stability and security, economic and social development, environment and culture.

2.1 We strongly and unequivocally condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, committed no matter when, where or by whom, as it constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security. We are convinced that terrorism can not and should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilisation or ethnic group and we condemn any attempts to do so. We consider that effective combating of terrorism is possible only by joint efforts of all states by addressing conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism, avoiding double standards and with the leading role of the United Nations.

2.2 We intend to continue close cooperation to ensure gradual implementation of the UN Global Counter Terrorism Strategy, international conventions and other universal counter-terrorism-related legal instruments and resolutions adopted by the General Assembly and the Security Council of the United Nations.

2.3 We welcome efforts in countering terrorism based on the regional instruments, to which CICA members are Party, and encourage inter-regional cooperation in this field.

2.4 We draw special attention to the necessity of preventing terrorism through countering ideologies that justify it. We shall continue our efforts aimed at finalising the negotiations on the draft comprehensive convention on international terrorism within the framework of the United Nations.

2.5 We call upon all the states to encourage the civil society, private sector and mass media to be involved in counter-terrorism efforts and to develop inter-civilisational and inter-cultural dialogue and understanding for effectively countering this problem.

3. We reaffirm our commitment to disarmament, non-proliferation and peaceful uses of nuclear energy as stipulated in the relevant CICA documents signed and adopted at Summit and Ministerial level.

4. We take note of the signing of treaty between the Russian Federation and the United States of America on Measures for the Further Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms on 8 April 2010 in Prague.

5. We take note of the Washington Nuclear Security Summit held on 13 April 2010.

6. We take note of the international conference on Disarmament and Non-Proliferation with the motto "Nuclear Energy for All, Nuclear Weapon for None" held in Tehran on 17-18 April 2010.

7. We support the efforts to establish Nuclear-Weapons-Free zones on the basis of arrangements freely arrived at by the States in the region, encourage cooperation among such zones, and call upon the Nuclear Weapon States to support them. We welcome establishment of a Nuclear-Weapons-Free zone in Central Asia, the ongoing efforts to reinforce the Southeast Asia Nuclear-Weapons-Free Zone and Mongolia’s Nuclear-Weapon-Free status as contributing to security and confidence building measures in the CICA region.

8. We reiterate that effective measures must be taken to prevent, combat and eradicate the illicit trade and trafficking of small arms and light weapons (SALW), within the UN framework, which is linked to terrorism, drug trafficking and trans-national crime. In this regard, we reaffirm our commitment to implement the UN Programme of Action to prevent, combat and eradicate the illicit trafficking in SALW in all its aspects, as well as to implementing International Instrument to Enable States to Identify and Trace, in a Timely and Reliable Manner, Illicit Small Arms and Light Weapons.

9. We express grave concern at the worsening problem of illicit drug production and its trafficking which has attained trans-national and global dimensions and is a serious threat to the entire international community. We reiterate that more effective measures must be taken to prevent, combat and eradicate the global drug problem in all its manifestations. We recognise that no government can effectively combat this menace alone. We, therefore, call for cooperation, co-ordination and committed action by all countries to curb it.

10. Trans-national organised crime adversely affects development, political stability and social and cultural values. We reiterate our commitment to co-ordinate our efforts and strategies at national, regional and international levels against trans-national organised crime and to develop more effective methods in combating crimes of this nature. In this regard we take note of the declaration of the first CICA Chiefs of Police Meeting held in Antalya, Republic of Turkey, on 27 May 2010.

11. We reaffirm that the respect to the territorial integrity and sovereignty of states should form the basis for interstate relations. We also reaffirm that separatism constitutes a major threat and challenge to the security and stability, sovereignty, unity, territorial integrity and inviolability of borders of States. CICA Member States will not support on the territory of another Member State any separatist movements and entities. We also reiterate our resolve that our territories will not be used by any separatist movements and entities and we will not establish any kinds of relations and communications with separatists and will not render them any kind of assistance. We reaffirm the principle on the right of people to self-determination in accordance with the UN Charter and international law.

12. We reaffirm and underscore CICA’s principled position concerning peaceful settlement of disputes. We believe that direct or indirect threat or use of force in violation of the UN Charter and international law against the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of the states, pose threats to regional and international peace. It is imperative for all CICA Member States to defend, preserve and promote principles of the UN Charter and generally recognised principles and norms of international law.

13. We recognise the importance of energy security for sustainable development and enhancing economic and social welfare. We emphasise the need for cooperation to accelerate development, dissemination and deployment of affordable and clean energy technologies and to expand the use of renewable energy sources, stressing the need for transfer of such technologies by developed countries to developing countries on favourable terms.

14. We express concern over the negative impact and far reaching consequences of the global financial crisis. We also recognise that the crisis has further accentuated the deficiencies and imbalances in the global financial and economic governance systems and has shown that there is special urgency for accelerating reformation of management systems of the international financial institutions. We call upon the international community to continue sustained, coordinated and comprehensive global response to the crisis, particularly by cooperation on macroeconomic policies, to minimize the negative impact of the crisis on development efforts of developing countries, and to undertake actions and initiatives to overcome these challenges. We support coordinated efforts to reform the international financial institutions, to ensure dynamic, sustainable and balanced growth of world economy, to reduce development gaps and to ensure financial stability and sustainable development.

15. We take note of the aspiration of the States of the Central Asian Region to promote efforts to resolve issues relating to safety of the storage facilities of nuclear waste. At the same time we acknowledge the need for comprehensive assistance in resolving these issues.

16. We are also concerned at the global threat posed by epidemics, such as HIV and AIDS, pandemic influenza, AH1N1, malaria, tuberculosis and other communicable diseases. In this context, we support the enhancement of cooperation to curb and combat global public health threats.

II

17. We support the ongoing reform process of the UN system aimed at enhancing its ability to address more effectively the challenges and needs of our time.

18. We reaffirm the importance of promotion and protection of human rights. We recognise that all human rights are universal, indivisible, interrelated and interdependent.

19. Taking note of the fact that the year 2010 has been declared as the International Year for the Rapprochement of Cultures, we reaffirm our commitment to promotion of broad dialogue among cultures, civilisations and religions to enhance respect and tolerance for diverse social and ethno-cultural traditions and religions. In this respect we welcome the Three Forums of Alliance of Civilisations, held on 15-16 January 2008 in Madrid, 6-7 April 2009 in Istanbul and 28-29 May 2010 in Rio de Janeiro. We support CICA becoming a member of Group of Friends of Alliance of Civilisations.

20. We also welcome as an important contribution of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the initiatives of President Nursultan Nazarbayev on convening the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions in 2003, 2006, 2009 and the Conference "Common World: Progress Through Diversity" held in Astana in 2008, which were concluded with the adoption of important documents, calling for interfaith and inter-religious dialogue; and unity on the basis of diversity, respectively.

III

21. We are concerned with the situation in the Middle East and call upon all parties concerned to implement the United Nations resolutions to achieve comprehensive, lasting and just peace, security and stability in this region by resuming negotiations to establish Palestinian State according to the UN resolutions with the aim of achieving two state solution, living in peace and security with the each other.

22.1 We reiterate our support to the independence, sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Afghanistan. We would like to see Afghanistan as an economically self-sufficient state, free from violence, terrorism and menace of drugs and drug related crimes, as well as express our readiness to render to Afghanistan as far as possible assistance, including humanitarian assistance, in achieving this objective. We note with appreciation the efforts undertaken by the international community and call upon for continuation of assistance to Afghanistan as long as it needs, and to fully streamline their policies to coordinate efforts with the Afghan Government as the main and ultimate stakeholder.

22.2 We emphasise pernicious links between narcotics trade, terrorism and other criminal activities. We reaffirm our commitment to strengthening regional and international efforts to effectively and resolutely combat the drug problem.

22.3 We recognise that the challenges faced by Afghanistan and its people are enormous. Achievement of lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan depends on complementarity of Afghan-led and international stabilisation efforts in the country. The efforts under way in Afghanistan must also include regional approach reflecting friendship and cooperation.

22.4 We advocate addressing all issues relating to Afghanistan under the aegis of UN with participation of other regional and international organizations and fora in full coordination with Afghanistan government.

22.5 We welcome the promotion of effective regional cooperation among Afghanistan and its neighbors. We take note of the Istanbul Statement.

22.6 We recognise the efforts of UN in addressing these issues and believe that UN should play a leading role.

23. We welcome the progress in the Iraqi political process aimed at achieving the national accord based on broad intra political dialogue and underscore that the sovereignty, territorial integrity, political independence and national unity of Iraq should be respected by the international community.

IV

24. We recognise the important role being played by CICA in meeting the challenges faced by the world community in general and Asia in particular. In this regard, we reaffirm our commitment to continue to develop CICA as a forum for dialogue to enhance cooperation among CICA Member States.

25. We reiterate our commitment to carry forward the CICA process to achieve our shared objectives on the basis of consensus.

26. We recognise the importance of implementation of confidence building measures. We note with satisfaction that the process of implementation of confidence building measures was initiated with the adoption of Cooperative Approach for Implementation of CICA CBMs in Bangkok on 14 March 2007. We are pleased to note that the process of implementation of confidence building measures in ten areas has commenced. We task the Senior Officials Committee and the Secretariat to take further steps for implementation of confidence building measures. We encourage all the CICA Member States to share the responsibility for implementation of confidence building measures on voluntary basis.

27. We reaffirm the importance of initiating deliberations on security issues in accordance with the provisions of the CICA Catalogue of CBMs.

28. We commend the good work carried out by the CICA Secretariat within a short time since its inception. We support further strengthening the Secretariat in order to enhance its effectiveness and make it more responsive with regard to responsibilities entrusted to it. We appeal to all the CICA Member States to make regular voluntary contributions to the budget of the Secretariat.

29. We request those CICA Member States, which have not done so already, to ratify the Statute of the Secretariat of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia on an expeditious basis.

30. We express our deep appreciation for the role of President Nursultan Nazarbayev of the Republic of Kazakhstan in convening CICA and steering it thus far as its founding Chairman. We acknowledge with appreciation that mutual understanding among the CICA Members enabled its success since its establishment.

31. We welcome assumption of Chairmanship of CICA by the Republic of Turkey. We are confident that the Turkish Chairmanship, in close cooperation with the Member States, will bring renewed dynamism to the CICA process. We support regular rotation of Chairmanship every two years.

V

32. We recognise the importance of external relations of CICA and strengthening cooperation with other regional and international organizations and fora. We note with satisfaction that the process of establishing external relations of CICA was initiated with the adoption of Guidelines for CICA’s External Relations in Bangkok on 14 March 2007. We task our Ministers of Foreign Affairs and the CICA Secretariat to continue implementation of the Guidelines for the CICA’s External Relations in accordance with the format contained therein.

33. We are pleased to note that the process of establishing external relations of CICA with other regional and international organizations and fora has commenced. In this regard we welcome signing Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) between the CICA Secretariat and administrative bodies of ECO, EurAsEC and IOM.

34. We note the participation by the UN, OSCE and LAS in CICA activities as observer organisations since 2002. In this regard, we welcome: United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Resolution No. 62/77 of 6 December 2007, which granted observer status to the CICA in the UNGA; and efforts of CICA and its observer organizations on mutual cooperation in the fields of common interests and exploring new ways and means of strengthening mechanisms of such interaction. We support the development of contacts between CICA and the UN and SCO.

35. We recognise that the study of experience of multilateral institutions and organisations may be beneficial for further promotion of CICA process.

36. We welcome the upcoming Third Asia-Middle East Dialogue Meeting which will take place in Bangkok in December 2010 and earnestly wish the Meeting a success to further strengthen the bond of friendship and close cooperation among the CICA Member States, thus contributing to the stability and economic development within the region.

37. We take note of the establishment of International Research Center for Land-locked Developing Countries in Ulaan Baatar, Mongolia, and will explore CICA’s cooperation.

VI

38. We are pleased to note an increasing interest in the CICA process. In this regard, we welcome the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the Republic of Iraq as full members and the People’s Republic of Bangladesh as an observer to the CICA.

VII

39. We agree to hold the Fourth Meeting of CICA Ministers of Foreign Affairs in 2012.

40. We agree to hold the Fourth CICA Summit in 2014.

VIII

41. We believe that the CICA process has moved forward through adoption of basic documents and implementation of confidence building measures. This Declaration is reflective of our collective will to take the CICA process further ahead by continuing to work towards building an atmosphere of confidence and trust and enhancing cooperation in the region.