ASTANA, Kazakhstan

SRSG Kaha Imnadze, participated in the Astana International Forum, taking part in the high-level session titled “Central Asia’s Next Decade: Emerging as a Global Crossroads.” Speaking on behalf of United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, SRSG Imnadze underscored the region’s growing geopolitical and economic importance, as well as the UN’s strong commitment to supporting regional cooperation.

In his remarks, SRSG Imnadze emphasized that Central Asia has emerged as a zone of trust, mutual respect and cooperation, and with peaceful resolution of long-standing issues, including the border ones, is sending a powerful message to the rest of the world in the current geopolitical context. He also stressed the importance of multilateral dialogue as a key pillar for the region’s successful transformation in the coming decade, underscoring the UN’s role as a regional platform through UNRCCA, and growing cooperation and interaction in addressing common challenges related to security, climate and sustainable growth.

On the sidelines of the Forum, SRSG Imnadze met with H.E. Akan Rakhmetullin, First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Their discussions focused on the regional peace and security agenda, ongoing cooperation between Kazakhstan and the United Nations Regional Centre, and preparations for upcoming joint events.