The Heart of Asia – Istanbul Process stands as a collaborative intergovernmental organization formed to foster discussions on crucial regional matters. Since its inception in November 2011, this platform has been instrumental in addressing a spectrum of issues, from promoting economic cooperation to ensuring security and political stability for Afghanistan and its neighboring countries.

What is the Heart of Asia – Istanbul Process?

The Heart of Asia – Istanbul Process (HoA-IP) stands as a vital intergovernmental initiative, born from the collaborative partnership between Afghanistan and the Republic of Turkey. Since its inception in 2011, this process has been dedicated to fostering regional security, cooperation, and development in the Heart of Asia region.

Why was the Heart of Asia – Istanbul Process formed?

The Heart of Asia – Istanbul Process is an Afghan-Turkish initiative formed for the following reasons:

• To promote stability, peace, and prosperity in Afghanistan and the entire Heart of Asia region.
• To strengthen political, security, and economic consensus among Heart of Asia-IP Participating and Supporting Countries and Organizations.
• To serve as a platform for social and economic development in Afghanistan and the entire Heart of Asia region.
• To improve Afghanistan’s connectivity with the entire Heart of Asia region.
• To recognize the role of cultural heritage value.

List of Member Countries of Heart of Asia

The table below gives the list of member countries associated with this inter-governmental organisation:

List of Supporting Countries of Heart of Asia – Istanbul Process

In addition to these member countries, there are other countries who play a supporting role to the organisation order to assist with their day to day functions. They are as follows:

Three Elements of Heart of Asia

• Foster political consultations to effectively address disputes involving Afghanistan and its neighboring countries.
• Implement a sustainable approach to development by actively promoting Confidence Building Measures outlined in the Istanbul Process document.
• Contribute to enhanced unity and coherence in addressing diverse regional issues related to Afghanistan through regional processes and organizations.

Key Highlights of Ministerial Declarations

Every year, the Heart of Asia holds Ministerial Conferences to make joint declarations to combat existential threats. Below are the highlights of the declarations taken so far:

Historic Start in Istanbul, Turkey (November 2nd, 2011): In the inaugural conference in Istanbul, Turkey, member nations unanimously embraced the “Regional Security And Cooperation for a Secure and Stable Afghanistan” declaration.

Political Strides in Kabul, Afghanistan (June 14th, 2012): Building on the initial success, the first follow-up conferences in Kabul, Afghanistan, saw the adoption of a significant declaration focusing on political consultation involving Afghanistan and a sustained approach to implementing Confidence Building Measures (CBMs).

Kazakhstan’s Commitment in Almaty (April 26th, 2013): The third conference in Almaty, Kazakhstan, marked a milestone as President Nursultan Nazarbayev inaugurated proceedings, leading to the adoption of a joint cooperation declaration among member nations, with a specific focus on combating terrorism.

Peace Promotion in Beijing, China (October 31st, 2014): In the fourth conference in Beijing, the People’s Republic of China, a pivotal declaration aimed at fostering peace and cooperation between Afghanistan and its neighbors was adopted. The conference, co-chaired by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Afghan Foreign Minister Zarar Ahmad, emphasized regional collaboration.

Unified Front in Islamabad, Pakistan (December 9th, 2015): The conference in Islamabad, Pakistan, witnessed the adoption of a joint declaration addressing both internal and external security threats, promoting economic connectivity, and fortifying Confidence Building Measures (CBMs).

Principled Stand in Amritsar, India (December 4th, 2016): Members, convening in Amritsar, India, reiterated their commitment to the principles of sovereignty and independence outlined in the UN Charter. They also reached a consensus on eliminating non-tariff barriers to trade.

Baku’s Vision for Connectivity (December 1st, 2017): In the conference held at Baku, Republic of Azerbaijan, the “Security and Economic Connectivity towards a Strengthened Heart of Asia Region” declaration was adopted. Co-chaired by Mr. Elmar Mammadyarov and Mr. Salahuddin Rabbani, the conference aimed at enhancing regional ties.

Istanbul’s Pledge for Progress (December 10th, 2019): The conference in Istanbul, Turkey, witnessed the adoption of a declaration of firm commitments. Notably, the revised action plans for the seven Confidence-Building Measures (CBMs) were endorsed, and a new CBM focusing on Women Empowerment was added. Afghanistan President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani and Turkey President H.E. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan inaugurated this landmark conference.

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