Astana, 20 February 2024 - Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Murat Nurtleu received the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Head of the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA), Kakha Imnadze, who arrived in Kazakhstan as part of his tour of Central Asia.

The parties discussed the growing role of Central Asia, issues of rational use of transboundary water resources in the region, development of the Middle Corridor and transport and logistics potential of both Kazakhstan and the entire CA region, as well as the situation in Afghanistan. They noted the importance of developing and strengthening preventive diplomacy tools to preserve peace and security in the region.

М. Nurtleu noted that Kazakhstan, like all Central Asian countries, attaches priority importance to cooperation with the UN, recognising the leading role of the Organisation in addressing challenges in the field of security and sustainable development.

"Kazakhstan is interested in ensuring peace and security in the region and sustainable development of Central Asian countries. We note the relevance of continuing numerous creative processes in the Central Asian region, emphasising the important role of the UN in this process" - said the head of the Foreign Ministry of Kazakhstan.

In addition, the Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan informed about the main priorities of Kazakhstan's foreign policy and plans for the coming period, including chairmanship in various multilateral formats.

In his turn, K. Imnadze, positively assessing the long-term partnership and trust established between Kazakhstan and the UN, expressed gratitude for the commitment to the principles of multilateralism, as well as the active position of our country in regional cooperation. He also praised the comprehensive political reforms initiated by President Kasym-Jomart Tokayev aimed at further democratisation, strengthening the rule of law, inclusive economic growth, and wished further prosperity to Kazakhstan.

"As the head of the UNRCCA and an active supporter of regional interaction, I am ready to defend the interests of Central Asia and assist in strengthening multifaceted co-operation," K. Imnadze emphasised.

In conclusion, the sides reaffirmed their readiness to maintain close contacts at all levels and wished each other fruitful work.

Background: The United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia is a special political mission of the United Nations Department of Political Affairs and Peacebuilding, established at the initiative of the governments of the five Central Asian States in 2007 and headquartered in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan.

The main objective of the Centre is to assist the Central Asian states in identifying and addressing existing and potential threats to peace and security in the region. In addition, the Centre promotes partnerships among Central Asian states in co-operation with regional and international organisations.