• The inaugural Central Asia–GCC Think Tank Forum, from April 28-29, will bring together over 70 leading experts from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain.
Tashkent will host the inaugural Central Asia–Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Think Tank Forum from April 28-29, focusing on “Strengthening Strategic Partnership: From Historical Ties to Comprehensive Cooperation.”
Organized by the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of Uzbekistan and the Saudi Arabian Gulf Research Center, the forum will bring together over 70 leading experts from Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan) and GCC nations (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain).
The event aims to mark a significant milestone in enhancing cooperation between these key regions, with representatives from the GCC Secretariat, the diplomatic community, and business sector also set to attend.
The forum participants will discuss key aspects of current and future interactions between Central Asia and Gulf Cooperation Council countries. The focus will be on strengthening political dialogue, coordinating approaches to regional security, deepening trade and investment ties, implementing promising green energy projects, and developing transport corridors.
Particular emphasis will be placed on developing practical initiatives that can bring a new dynamic to interregional partnerships and unlock potential for joint development.
The main expected outcomes include the adoption of a joint statement and the signing of memorandums of cooperation between think tanks from Central Asia and the GCC countries. These documents are expected to lay the foundation for systemic interaction between the expert communities of the two regions.
Additionally, the recommendations developed will contribute significantly to the agenda of the Second Summit of Leaders from the “CA-GCC” format, scheduled to be held in Samarkand.
The upcoming forum will help strengthen the long-term partnership between Central Asia and Gulf countries, revive their shared historical heritage, and establish new guidelines for strengthening multifaceted dialogue.
