On July 19, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev took part in the First Summit of the Gulf Cooperation Council and Central Asian countries.
The event, chaired by the Crown Prince, Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, Sheikh Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, was also attended by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Zhaparov, the President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, the Amir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Amir, Crown Prince of the State of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Deputy Prime Minister of the Sultanate of Oman Sheikh Asa’ad bin Tariq Al Said, the Special Representative of the King of Bahrain, Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, and the Secretary General of the Council, Jasem Mohamed Al Budaiwi.
At the summit, the President of Uzbekistan highlighted the deep-rooted historical connection between Central Asia and the Gulf region, which is based on close trade relations, shared values, traditions, and the sacred religion of Islam.
The Head of Uzbekistan proposed to expand practical interaction between the two regions in several priority areas. These include: developing a constructive political dialogue, enhancing trade, economic and investment cooperation, and strengthening cultural and humanitarian ties. He also proposed to create a free trade zone with the Gulf countries, harmonize technical regulations, and develop electronic commerce.
In transport and transit, the President of Uzbekistan suggested using favorable tariffs when using the Median Transport Corridor, the widespread use of existing multimodal routes, and an increase in direct flights using subsidy measures. He also called on the partners to actively participate in the strategic project for constructing the Trans-Afghan railway, which will connect the Gulf states with Central Asia along the shortest route.
The President of Uzbekistan also proposed to create a Joint Council of Investors with the participation of business representatives, develop an International Research Program at the Central Asian University for the Study of Environment and Climate Change, create a single visa-free tourist space “Gulf – Central Asia”, and hold a forum of leading tour operators of the two regions in the city of Khiva.
The summit participants supported the proposal of the Republic of Uzbekistan to hold the next Summit of the Gulf Cooperation Council and Central Asian countries in the city of Samarkand.
UzA