GCC Secretary General Stresses Importance of Strengthening Foundation of Joint Action between GCC and Central Asia Countries

Tashkent, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed Abudaiwi has confirmed that the second ministerial meeting of the strategic dialogue between the Cooperation Council countries and the countries of Central Asia, which took place on Monday, aims to strengthen the foundation of joint action for the strategic dialogue and develop mechanisms for consultation and cooperation between the two sides. In his speech during the meeting, the GCC Secretary General noted that there are two main reasons that distinguish this joint ministerial meeting and make it among the most important and accurate meetings. The first reason is that it is the first of its kind, following the historic summit hosted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Jeddah City in July 2023, which brought together the leaders of the Cooperation Council countries and the leaders of the Central Asian countries to establish the frameworks for future cooperation between both sides. Additionally, this meeting comes in preparation fo r the second summit between the GCC countries and the Central Asian countries scheduled to be held in Samarkand next year. The second reason is the unprecedented developments and state of uncertainty in many political, economic, security, and even social matters and issues that the international community is facing, which require intensifying communication and coordination in an effort to resolve these issues and confront any negative repercussions that may emerge that could affect all parties. He also stated that the GCC General Secretariat hosted the first ministerial meeting of the strategic dialogue between the Cooperation Council and the countries of Central Asia in September 2022, saying that the meeting issued a joint statement confirming the commitment of the parties participating in it to establish a strong and ambitious partnership based on common values, interests, and historical ties. The Secretary General also recalled the meetings held by the General Secretariat in implementation of the outcom es of the first strategic dialogue of the GCC and the countries of Central Asia. This included the first meeting of those concerned in the field of economy, trade, and investment, as well as the first meeting of those concerned in the field of culture and media, in addition to the first meeting of those concerned in the health field, besides the first meeting of those concerned in the field of youth and sports between the GCC countries and the countries of Central Asia. Source: Qatar News Agency