Pakistan, other nations walk out of CICA summit as Israeli president takes the floor

BAKU: Representatives from more than 10 countries, including Pakistan, walked out of a gathering hall on Thursday as Israeli President Isaac Herzog began addressing an Asian security summit in Azerbaijan’s capital.

The walkout took place around noon during Herzog’s speech at the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) summit.

A similar protest occurred during the high-level week of the United Nations General Assembly in New York in September, when several delegations left the hall as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered his address.

Hosted by Azerbaijan in its capacity as the current CICA chair, the one-day summit brought together representatives of member states, observer countries and partner international organisations.

Discussions were scheduled to focus on regional cooperation, connectivity, digitalisation and sustainable development under Azerbaijan’s chairmanship.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan urged members of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) to take a firm stand in support of Palestinian rights and against ongoing oppression and serious violations.

Addressing the 7th CICA Summit in Baku, Fidan said the group could not uphold its commitments while Israel, also a member, continued what he described as a systematic policy of oppression against Palestinians and violated their fundamental rights.