BISHKEK, Kyrgyz Republic

On 12 October 2023, in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic, SRSG Kaha Imnadze took part in the Sixth Central Asian Expert Forum (CAEF) which was organized by the National Institute of Strategic Studies under the President of the Kyrgyz Republic in partnership with the UNRCCA. The Forum dedicated to the theme of “Central Asia: the aspects of cooperation” gathered directors and leading experts of the Institutes of Strategic Studies from Central Asian states as well as members of the diplomatic community and international organizations based in Kyrgyzstan. The Expert Forum, launched in 2018 in cooperation with the UNRCCA, serves as a platform for leading Central Asian think-tanks to discuss the most outstanding issues of the regional agenda, and to consider possible recommendations for the decision-makers in the region.

The Forum provided an opportunity for Heads of Institutes to exchange views on the underlying factors contributing to closer cooperation among the states of the region against the background of the existing and emerging regional risks and challenges.  At the opening of the Forum, SRSG Kaha Imnadze noted that the CAEF established itself as an important regional expert platform and has largely contributed to much needed exchanges for advancing cooperation and trust-building in the region. The Forum has also supported the activities of the Regional Centre in such areas as, countering terrorism and extremism, transboundary water management and climate change, advancing the Youth, Peace and Security Agenda and promoting Women, Peace and Security Agenda.

On the sidelines of the CAEF, SRSG Imnadze also had a bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan, Mr. Akylbek Japarov, Deputy Foreign Minister, Mr. Avazbek Atakhanov, as well as held a number of meetings with state officials and representatives of partner organizations.