It is my pleasure to address the Third Summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia. Your meeting is testament to the continued strengthening of CICA, which since its launch in 1992 has promoted multilateral exchange and the search, through dialogue, for common approaches to shared challenges in Asia.

Since the Third Ministerial Meeting in 2008, CICA Member States have convened discussions and undertaken confidence-building initiatives in a wide array of areas, encompassing the economy and the environment and including the military-political sphere and the fight against new threats. The complexity and interdependence of these issues mean that no single country or Organization can provide solutions alone. Dialogue and cooperation are critical.

We at the United Nations appreciate the readiness of CICA to strengthen our mutual ties. I welcome the support expressed by CICA for UN Security Council resolutions on combating terrorism and for the UN Alliance of Civilizations. Both areas hold significant potential for our further interaction.

It is appropriate that the Chairmanship of CICA will transfer this year in Istanbul, a historic bridge between Europe and Asia. The need for bridge building has never been greater, as we seek to deepen mutual understanding among cultures, expand prosperity, and ensure the peaceful settlement of disputes. The United Nations stands ready to work with CICA in reaching these objectives in Asia and strengthening global peace and security.

Please accept my best wishes for success in your deliberations.