On July 19, 2023, the heads of the five Central Asian countries attended the first Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) - Central Asian Summit and delivered a speech. After the meeting, all parties issued a joint statement emphasizing the strengthening of dialogue and partnership in various fields. The summit was held in Jeddah, a coastal city in the west of Saudi Arabia. Six GCC member states, including Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, as well as heads of state or government or representatives of Central Asian countries, and Secretary General Budawi of the GCC, attended the summit.

In the joint statement released after the meeting, all parties emphasized the need to strengthen bilateral and multilateral political consultations, achieve regional and international security and stability, ensure security in supply chain, logistics, communication, food, energy and other fields, strengthen cooperation in green and renewable energy fields, and increase business and investment opportunities.

President Tokayev of President of Kazakhstan said that the Gulf Arab countries are important partners of Central Asia in many key areas. In response, he proposed suggestions to strengthen trade and transportation connectivity, deepen energy cooperation, especially in the field of green energy.

President Zaparov of President of Kyrgyzstan called on Gulf Arab partners to jointly participate in the construction of the China Kyrgyzstan Uzbekistan railway project. He believes that transportation and logistics methods, including railways and aviation, will promote the circulation of goods, capital, and people. In addition, cooperation and experience exchange in such important fields as renewable energy, infrastructure, agriculture, medical care, tourism, digitalization and innovation should also be promoted.

During the meeting, the heads of state of Central Asia also focused on regional security and climate change issues. President Mirziyoyev of President of Uzbekistan stressed that all parties should form joint efforts in combating terrorism, separatism and extremism. He also stated that all parties should take active action to attract the attention of the international community to the Afghan issue, and it is necessary to continue providing humanitarian assistance to the Afghan side, supporting the construction of local economic projects, and restoring a peaceful and peaceful life for the Afghan people.

President Berdymukhamedov of President of Turkmenistan said that the current international situation is complex and volatile. In this context, all parties need to strengthen their ability to fully respond to global challenges and threats.

The next GCC Central Asian Summit will be held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, in 2025.Editor/Ma Xue