Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman asserted on Wednesday that the challenges facing the world today necessitate all efforts to enhance cooperation between nations to achieve security and stability in the region.
The Crown Prince’s remarks were made during the opening of the Gulf summit with Central Asian countries (Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan) in Jeddah.
Furthermore, the Crown Prince emphasized the importance of respecting the sovereignty, independence, and values of nations, and refraining from interfering in their internal affairs.
He stressed the necessity of intensifying joint efforts to confront anything that affects global energy security and food supply chains.
Prior to the summit’s launch, the Saudi Crown Prince chaired the 18th consultative meeting of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) leaders, which took place eight months after the 43rd Gulf Summit in Riyadh.
The meeting's focus was on enhancing Gulf integration and cooperation.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the President of Kazakhstan, affirmed that the summit holds a special significance due to the strong relations, historical ties, shared spiritual values, and bonds of friendship with the Arab Gulf countries.
In his address to the leaders, Tokayev emphasized the exceptional importance his country attaches to the Jeddah meeting, considering the significant political influence wielded by the Gulf states, making them crucial partners for Central Asian countries.
Tokayev also highlighted opportunities for cooperation in the fields of energy, oil, and gas with the Gulf countries.
“We are the second-largest region in the world in terms of oil and gas resources, following the Arabian Peninsula, and we are prepared to deepen comprehensive cooperation with OPEC+ and collaborate with major energy companies in your nations,” said the Kazakh president.
Kuwaiti Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah lauded Wednesday’s GCC-Central Asia Summit in Jeddah, emphasizing its significant contribution to bolstering the relationship between the two sides.
The summit exemplifies the mutual eagerness to strengthen brotherly ties across various domains, stressed the Kuwaiti crown prince.
He expressed optimism that the summit would enhance the strategic partnership between the two sides, building upon the outcomes of the Joint Ministerial Meeting of the Strategic Dialogue between the GCC and Central Asian Countries and the adoption of the joint action plan.
He expressed his aspiration for the summit to foster greater cooperation in political, security, economic, cultural, scientific, and commercial realms, emphasizing the importance of continuous consultations with partners to sustain collaboration across all fields, ensuring security, stability, and prosperity.
The Kuwaiti crown prince commended the steadfast positions of the Central Asian countries on international issues, acknowledging the GCC countries’ deep appreciation for such stances. He also praised the ongoing cooperation and coordination between the Central Asian countries and the GCC nations in establishing regional security and stability foundations.
Sadyr Japarov, the President of Kyrgyzstan, described the Jeddah meeting as a “historic summit” and considered it a “significant milestone on the common path towards enhancing partnerships between the two regions.”
“Convening this summit signifies great opportunities and our desire to strengthen multi-party political dialogue, economic cooperation, as well as cultural and social ties,” said Japarov.
