Jeddah, Saudi Arabia—Â The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Central Asia Summit leaders endorsed a comprehensive joint statement, advocating for fortified political and strategic ties, as well as enhanced cooperation in various sectors.
Led by the Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the meeting was held in response to an invitation from King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. Among others, the summit also saw the participation the Secretary General of the GCC, Jassem Mohamed Albudaiwi.
The leaders stressed the importance of deepening political and strategic relations between the GCC and Central Asian countries, based on shared values, interests, and historical ties.
Notably, the statement recognized the need to ensure regional and international security, promote supply chain flexibility, and boost sectors such as green and renewable energy sources, food, energy, and water security. The leaders also called for increased trade exchange and investment opportunities.
In the face of rising intolerance globally, the leaders underscored the significance of peaceful coexistence and tolerance as foundational principles in inter-nation relations. In support of this, they welcomed Security Council Resolution 2686, addressing hate speech, racism, xenophobia, gender discrimination, and extremism.
The leaders voiced their support for enhanced strategic dialogue between the GCC and Central Asia and endorsed the joint action plan for 2023-2027. They expressed their appreciation for the outcomes of the joint ministerial meeting held in September 2022 and urged for the immediate implementation of the action plan.
On the economic front, the summit spotlighted the importance of fostering trade, economic cooperation, and joint investment, promoting a conducive environment for business and trade.
The candidacy of Saudi Arabia to host Expo 2030 in Riyadh garnered the leaders’ backing, emphasizing the role of such exhibitions in stimulating economic and cultural exchange. They also underscored the need for continued cooperation in international financial institutions to tackle global economic challenges.
Furthermore, the leaders acknowledged their key role in addressing climate change and reiterated their support for the UAE’s efforts in hosting the COP28 conference. They pledged to intensify cooperation on environmental protection, climate change, glacier and water resources conservation, and economic adaptation to climate change.
Investments in crucial areas like green energy economy, digital economy, innovation, and green technology were deemed significant. They also welcomed Saudi Arabia’s decision to host the ‘GCC-Central Asia Investment Forum’ in late 2023, with Turkmenistan and the Kyrgyz Republic set to host the Forum in 2024.
Regarding regional and international issues, the leaders concurred on the need for unified efforts to achieve peace, security, stability, and prosperity worldwide, stressing adherence to international law principles. The looming risk of a nuclear confrontation was seen as an urgent threat to international peace and security.
The summit strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms and pledged to enhance efforts to combat it. It stressed the importance of bolstering cooperation with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to tackle increasing food insecurity issues, particularly in parts of the Islamic world.
Lastly, the leaders expressed their gratitude to Saudi Arabia for hosting the meeting and shared their anticipation for the next summit, scheduled to take place in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, in 2025.