BEIJING, China

On 28 October - 1 November 2024, Kaha Imnadze, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Central Asia, Head of UNRCCA, visited Beijing to conduct consultations with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of the People's Republic of China and the Secretariat of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) as well as to meet with Chinese think-tanks specialized on Central Asia and the UN presence on the ground.

SRSG Kaha Imnadze met with Mr. Li Hui, Special Representative on Eurasian Affairs, MFA, and exchanged views on a wide array of issues of mutual interest, including the overall geopolitical situation and specific security and socio-economic developments in Central Asia. The discussion focused on cross-border challenges and threats related to terrorism, violent extremism, transboundary water management and the situation in Afghanistan. Mr. Li Hui expressed support to the Centre`s activities designed to promote conditions for multilateral dialogue on pressing matters of regional security and cooperation.

At a meeting with Mr. Zhang Ming, Secretary General, SCO, discussion focused on cooperation between the two organizations in order to increase interaction and trust in the region, including through the implementation of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy in Central Asia and other initiatives.

SRSG Kaha Imnadze also held meetings with Ms. Chen Bo, President of China Institute of International Studies and Mr. Huang Fang, Director of Institute of Contemporary International Relations. The interlocutors provided information on trends and developments in the relations between China and the Central Asian states as well as explored opportunities for possible participation in the UNRCCA activities. Furthermore, the SRSG met with Mr. Siddharth Chatterjee, UN Resident Coordinator, to share information about the UN activities in the wider region.