CICA commented on Belarus’ possible membership
One of the principal current requirements for CICA membership is geographical belonging to Asia. At the same time, co-operation can be developed on different principles, and in this regard Belarus, as an active observer country, has good opportunities and prospects – as stated by CICA Secretary General, Ambassador Kairat Sarybay, commenting on the results of the sixth summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA).
In particular, answering the question about the possible accession of Belarus to the CICA, which has begun the process of transformation into a full-fledged organisation, Kairat Sarybay said, “The geographic criterion for membership, which is being zealously defended by current members, is geographic affiliation with Asia. It is difficult to move Belarus to Asia; however, there are various ideas on the platform on how we can develop relations with the regions neighbouring to Asia. Belarus can be viewed as one of these regions. So far I do not undertake to assess the prospect of Belarus’ admission to the CICA under the current conditions, but if these conditions are subject to flexibility within the framework of the transformation, then why not.”
