The third heads of state summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (Cica) kicked off in Istanbul on Monday, with a special event on the theme of ?economic and security cooperation in Eurasia in the 21st century. The special event, which brings together Cica with its European counterpart OSCE, takes place the day before the heads of state meeting on Tuesday. The event was opened by the foreign minister of Kazakhstan, Kanat Saudabayev and the foreign minister of Turkey, Ahmet Davutogolu. Kazakhstan, who holds the chairmanship of OSCE this year, hands over the chairmanship of the 20-member Cica to Turkey at this summit.
The opening statements were a good indication of the broad goals of Cica. The Kazakh foreign minister noted that one-third rd of global GDP now came from Asia, indicating the groupings economic clout. Turkish foreign minister Davutogolu, whose country now takes the lead at Cica, sounded a cautionary note though by saying that most of the security challenges the world faced today, including terrorism, emanated out of Asia.
The guiding goal of Cica, according to Davutogolu, would continue to be the indivisible notion of cooperative security, and not the often zero sum concept of collective security. The Turkish foreign minister, whose country now chairs Cica for two years, said Afghanistan was the foremost challenge facing the members of Cica, a challenge that needed more than just a military response.
On terror, Davutogolu took a dig at Israel saying that while terrorism is a common enemy, recent actions by Israel have blurred the lines between terror and the responsibilities of sates. He called for an end to the inhuman and unlawful blockade of Gaza. This issue is likely to take centre stage at the heads of state meeting on Tuesday.
The Turkish foreign minister also sought wider backing for his country?s recent mediation, along with Brazil, on Iran?s nuclear programme. ?There is no viable alternative to a diplomatic solution to Iran?s nuclear programme,? he said.
The minister also made a brief reference to the financial crisis and the need to reform the international financial architecture and for a more equitable relationship between the countries of the North and South.
Ahmet Davutogolu?s opening statement is an indicator of the growing role Turkey, under the government of the mildly Islamist Justice and Development Party, sees itself playing in regional and world affairs?on the West Asia, Afghanistan, Iran and even economic cooperation.
The Indian delegation was not present at the special event. Anand Sharma who is leading the delegation to the Cica summit will only arrive late on Monday evening after staying back in India, according to sources, to complete formalities for his Rajya Sabha nomination.