AKIPRESS.COM - President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev took part in the First Summit of the Gulf Cooperation Council and Central Asian countries on July 19, UzA reported.
In accordance with the agenda, the participants considered issues of developing a constructive political dialogue, enhancing trade, economic and investment cooperation, and strengthening cultural and humanitarian ties. The sides exchanged views on the current aspects of regional and international politics.
The President of Uzbekistan emphasized in his address the deep historical connectivity of the peoples of Central Asia and the Gulf region, which is based on trade relations, common values, and the religion of Islam. The contribution of outstanding thinkers and scientists of Uzbekistan to the development of historical ties between Mawarannahr and the Arab region was emphasized.
Mirziyoyev noted with satisfaction that relations between Uzbekistan and the Gulf countries have risen to a qualitatively new level in recent years. It was proposed to expand practical interaction between the two regions in several priority areas.
In the political sphere, the leader of Uzbekistan highlighted the importance of developing large-scale cooperation in various formats. It was proposed to study the issue of developing a multilateral Agreement on Friendship, Regional Connectivity and Cooperation.
The second direction is interaction in high technologies and investments. The President of Uzbekistan noted the need for creating platforms and working mechanisms for cooperation in innovation, artificial intelligence, green economy, digitalization, smart agriculture, nano- and biotechnologies. An initiative was put forward to create a Joint Council of Investors with the participation of business representatives and to hold its first meeting in Samarkand.
"We are interested in the effective use of the potential of investment funds created in our region by partners and the expansion of the activities of the leading banks from the Gulf. I also consider it important to adopt a separate Action Plan for the joint implementation of projects in green energy," the President of Uzbekistan said.
The third direction is the strengthening of trade and transport connectivity. Mirziyoyev emphasized the relevance of creating a free trade zone with the Gulf countries, harmonizing technical regulations, and developing electronic commerce. It was proposed to work out the issue of signing a multilateral Trade Agreement.
In transport and transit, it was proposed to use favorable tariffs when using the Median Transport Corridor, the widespread use of existing multimodal routes, and an increase in direct flights using subsidy measures.
The President of Uzbekistan also called on the partners to 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 next important area is ecology and climate change. The importance of developing an International Research Program at the Central Asian University for the Study of Environment and Climate Change, which will be established in Uzbekistan, was noted.
The attention of the participants was drawn to the opportunities in tourism. It was proposed to create a single visa-free tourist space Gulf – Central Asia, modern clusters, and joint tourism products, as well as to hold a forum of leading tour operators of the two regions in Khiva, which was declared the Tourist Capital of the Islamic World in 2024.
The summit participants supported the proposal of Uzbekistan to hold the next Summit of the Gulf Cooperation Council and Central Asian countries in Samarkand.