Delegation of the Executive Committee of the SCO RATS, consisting of Deputy Director Artur Golovanov and Advisor Kanat Orazkulov, took part in an event dedicated to the opening of the new headquarters of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA) on July 2, 2025, in Astana, at the invitation of the CICA Secretariat.

President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Secretary General of the Organization Kairat Sarybay formally unveiled a commemorative plaque at the headquarters, after which a guard of honor raised the CICA flag. The ceremony was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Murat Nurtleu, Astana Mayor Zhenis Kasymbek, as well as heads of diplomatic missions and representatives of international organizations.

In his address to the participants, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized the historical significance of the opening of the CICA headquarters in Astana, noting Kazakhstan's key role in initiating the Conference more than three decades ago as a strategic platform for strengthening stability and security throughout Asia. The Head of State emphasized that the inclusive approach of the CICA, based on cooperation, dialogue, and mutual understanding, remains highly relevant in today's context of global uncertainty. Covering almost 90% of Asia's territory and representing more than half of the world's population, the CICA has become a vital component of the emerging international security architecture.

In his speech, CICA Secretary General Ambassador Kairat Sarybay expressed his sincere gratitude to President Tokayev of the Republic of Kazakhstan for his visionary decision to build a dedicated headquarters for the CICA Secretary General Ambassador Kairat Sarybay and for personally opening the building. As noted by the Secretary General of the CICA Secretary General Ambassador Kairat Sarybay, the opening of the headquarters is a convincing testimony to the institutional maturity of the organization, as well as the unwavering commitment of its member states to the development of dialogue, trust, and cooperation in Asia and beyond. The new headquarters, designed and built as a modern multifunctional complex, will not only provide facilities for the daily activities of the CICA Secretariat, but will also serve as a high-tech conference venue for high-level CICA meetings and events. It will preserve the institutional memory accumulated over the organization's 33-year history and support its expanding mandate in promoting peace, security, and development throughout the Asian continent.

The ceremony was held at a high level, in the atmosphere of goodwill and mutual understanding.