BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan

Under UNRCCA auspices, Deputy Foreign Ministers from Central Asian countries discussed security challenges in Central Asia. The discussion took place in the framework of the fourth annual meeting of Deputy Ministers of Foreign Affairs traditionally facilitated by the UN Regional Centre. Last year's meeting took place in Ashgabat.

UNRCCA will celebrate its fifth anniversary soon. This is an opportunity to take stock of what we have achieved, and what challenges are ahead

said Ambassador Miroslav Jenča, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Head of the UNRCCA on the occasion of the meeting.

Erines Otorbaev, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic added: "The meeting held in Bishkek has demonstrated that Central Asian states are ready to discuss jointly current regional problems as well as mechanisms of effective response to contemporary threats and challenges in the manner of a constructive dialogue". This year the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic co-organized the event.

In the framework of the meeting, participants reviewed UNRCCA activities implemented in 2011-2012, and discussed the main priorities of the Centre for 2013.

They exchanged views on issues related to strengthening regional cooperation and UNRCCA initiatives aimed at assisting the countries of Central Asia in their efforts to address challenges to peace, security and stability in the region.

Participants also discussed the potential impact on the countries in the region of the approaching withdrawal of international combat forces from Afghanistan and measures to cope with this challenge.

The presence of Ambassador Levent Bilman, Director of Policy and Mediation Division with the Department of Political Affairs (UN Headquarters) at the meeting provided with an opportunity to discuss the concept of preventive diplomacy and its potential to defuse tensions in escalating crises and to assist parties in resolving disputes peacefully.

The participants expressed support for the efforts of the UN Regional Centre to create conditions conducive for achieving durable solutions to regional challenges, taking into account interests and needs of all Central Asian countries.

JOINT STATEMENT: FOURTH MEETING OF DEPUTY MINISTERS OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF CENTRAL ASIAN STATES

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