The leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council and Central Asian countries will come together on May 5 in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, marking a major milestone in relations between the two sides.
Preparations to the summit was discussed at the third ministerial meeting of the Strategic Dialogue between the GCC and Central Asian countries, held on Wednesday (April 16, 2025) in Kuwait City.
The meeting was co-chaired by Abdullah Ali Al Yahya, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Kuwait and Bakhtiyor Saidov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
Foreign Affairs Ministers from the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait from GCC and Central Asia countries, including Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan attended the third meeting.
"Since the inaugural summit between the leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council and the Central Asian countries, held in July 2023 in Jeddah, we have observed tangible progress that underscores the commitment of both sides to translating the summit’s outcomes into concrete actions," - said Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the GCC.
He emphasized that this meeting served to strengthen the partnership between the two sides, noting that relations have seen significant progress across various fields in recent years.
These efforts are being carried out in alignment with the Joint Action Plan for the period 2023–2027, which encompasses key areas such as political and security dialogue, economy, trade and investment, education, health, culture and media, as well as youth and sports.
The volume of trade in goods between GCC and Central Asian countries has reached approximately USD 10 billion, while investment flows have been significant, as well. Both sides expressed hope that both trade and investment will continue to grow sustainably in the coming years.
"The aim is to strengthen economic partnerships and explore investment opportunities between the two sides. We look forward to hosting the second Investment Forum in Kyrgyzstan on June 30, 2025, and participating in a session focused on the prospects for relations between both sides at the Astana International Forum in Kazakhstan on May 29, 2025," - Secretary General stated.
The Secretary General also commended the positions of the Central Asian countries on issues in the Middle East, noting that these positions have earned deep appreciation and respect from the GCC. He emphasized that these positions have been characterized by balance and genuine support, reflecting a profound understanding of the importance of solidarity in finding effective solutions to regional and international crises.
In this context, he further stated: 'On numerous occasions, the Central Asian countries have expressed their support for Arab issues, foremost among them the Palestinian cause, and have endorsed United Nations resolutions aimed at ending the occupation and achieving a just and lasting peace, in accordance with the resolutions of international legitimacy.'"
He welcomed the tripartite agreement between the Republic of Tajikistan, the Kyrgyz Republic and the Republic of Uzbekistan regarding the demarcation of the trilateral international border, and the signing of the Khujand Declaration on eternal friendship between the three countries.
He also welcomed the peace agreement reached between Azerbaijan and Armenia, reaffirming the Gulf Cooperation Council’s full support for all efforts aimed at resolving disputes through peaceful means and promoting platforms for constructive dialogue.
This position reflects the GCC’s conviction that security, stability, and regional cooperation constitute fundamental pillars for building a more peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable world.
Kazakhstan and Vietnam have taken a significant step toward strengthening their bilateral relationship, with General Secretary To Lam announcing Kazakhstan as Vietnam’s first strategic partner in Central Asia during his visit to Astana.
A presidential visit to Central Asia is under consideration, potentially marking a historic first as U.S. ties with the region deepen.
Samarkand will welcome thousands of international delegates in late 2025 as Uzbekistan becomes the first Central Asian country to host the 20th Conference of the Parties (COP20) to the CITES Convention.
The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) has opened its regional office in Baku, Azerbaijan.
Foreign ministers from Central Asia and China gathered in Almaty, Kazakhstan, on Saturday for the sixth meeting under the Central Asia-China format, aiming to deepen regional cooperation and address shared challenges.
Azerbaijan showcased its green transition plan at the Copenhagen Ministerial, targeting 30% renewable energy by 2030. The country also secured a $300 billion climate finance pledge and helped finalize a key carbon market agreement, highlighting its growing role in global climate action.
European foreign ministers signed the Lviv Statement supporting a special tribunal and a U.S.-backed ceasefire, during a visit to Ukraine that included a memorial tribute to fallen soldiers.
White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett said on Friday that early signs ahead of this weekend’s U.S.-China trade talks in Switzerland appear positive, with both sides showing mutual respect and a constructive tone.
A new U.S.-supported initiative to deliver humanitarian aid into Gaza is expected to start operating shortly, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee said Friday, though specific details are yet to be made public.
U.S. President Donald Trump signaled support for steep tariffs on Chinese imports, calling 80% levies “right” ahead of high-level trade talks in Geneva aimed at easing escalating tensions between Washington and Beijing.
India has fired a series of missiles into Pakistani-controlled territory, in what it has described as “Operation Sindoor”
For the first time in history, an American has been chosen to lead the Catholic Church, as Cardinal Robert Prevost is named pope.
Discover every major VE Day 80 event in Britain, 5‑8 May 2025—from London’s parade and fly‑past to street parties, concerts and museum exhibitions.
Chinese e-commerce platform Temu has announced it will no longer sell goods directly from China to U.S. customers, shifting instead to U.S.-based sellers amid the closure of a long-criticized customs loophole.
Cardinals from 70 nations have gathered in Vatican City to begin the historic conclave to elect the next pope, following the death of Pope Francis 17 days ago. This conclave is the most geographically diverse in Church history, showcasing Francis’ legacy of inclusivity.
Kazakhstan and Pakistan signed a series of trade and transit agreements during a high-level business forum in Karachi, paving the way for expanded commercial cooperation and long-term logistics development between the two countries.
Armenia and Azerbaijan are now conducting direct peace talks without Russian mediation, according to Armenian Security Council Secretary Armen Grigoryan. He told Armenian media that Moscow’s mediating role has ended and that direct dialogue is now seen as more effective.
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan confidently announced that there will be no war between Armenia and Azerbaijan, emphasizing a shared commitment to a peaceful and prosperous future for the region.
Armenia has officially approved joining the Ashgabat Agreement, aiming to enhance its regional transit role and secure broader access to international markets through a key transport and transit corridor spanning Central and South Asia.
Turkmenistan will host the next session of the High-Level Working Group on the Caspian Sea, following constructive discussions in Moscow among the five littoral states on maritime cooperation and legal frameworks.
Azerbaijan showcased its green transition plan at the Copenhagen Ministerial, targeting 30% renewable energy by 2030. The country also secured a $300 billion climate finance pledge and helped finalize a key carbon market agreement, highlighting its growing role in global climate action.
European foreign ministers signed the Lviv Statement supporting a special tribunal and a U.S.-backed ceasefire, during a visit to Ukraine that included a memorial tribute to fallen soldiers.
White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett said on Friday that early signs ahead of this weekend’s U.S.-China trade talks in Switzerland appear positive, with both sides showing mutual respect and a constructive tone.
A new U.S.-supported initiative to deliver humanitarian aid into Gaza is expected to start operating shortly, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee said Friday, though specific details are yet to be made public.
U.S. President Donald Trump signaled support for steep tariffs on Chinese imports, calling 80% levies “right” ahead of high-level trade talks in Geneva aimed at easing escalating tensions between Washington and Beijing.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment