President Tokayev outlines key focus areas for Gulf-Central Asia collaboration
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev delivered his remarks at the first Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) – Central Asian countries summit, emphasizing the priorities for further cooperation. The summit took place on July 19 in Jeddah, as reported by the Akorda press service.
President Tokayev expressed his gratitude to King Salman bin Abdulaziz bin Salman Al Saud of Saudi Arabia and his son, Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, for the meeting, which demonstrated a mutual desire to elevate the multifaceted cooperation to a new level.
The President highlighted the importance of intensifying cooperation within Central Asian states and strengthening the region’s global relevance. He emphasized the expansion of the Central Asia+ dialogue formats to enhance multifaceted interaction between the countries.
President Tokayev stated, “Synergy of Central Asia’s potential and the enormous opportunities of the Gulf countries can set a higher level to our multifaceted partnership.”
Regarding trade cooperation, President Tokayev commended the dynamic trade between Central Asia and the GCC. However, he noted that the figures have yet to demonstrate the true potential of this partnership. He emphasized the need to increase the range of goods to boost mutual trade, expressing Kazakhstan’s readiness to step up exports to the Gulf countries in 100 commodities worth about $400 million in the shortest possible time.
In terms of investment cooperation, the President mentioned the 40% increase in net investment inflow in Central Asia to $10 billion last year, with Kazakhstan accounting for 60% according to a United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) report. He expressed Kazakhstan’s keenness to build investment ties and create favorable conditions for foreign investments through large-scale reforms to diversify the economy.
President Tokayev highlighted Kazakhstan’s focus on increasing the capacity of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR) and developing the International North-South Transport Corridor in the transport and transit sector.
In the energy sector, the President revealed Central Asia’s vast oil and gas reserves and expressed Kazakhstan’s appreciation for cooperation with the OPEC members. He expressed readiness for deeper comprehensive interaction in green energy, particularly with Saudi developer ACWA Power, United Arab Emirates (UAE) Masdar, and Qatari companies. Kazakhstan also specializes in upgrading and developing new generating capacities and boosting the modern petrochemical industry.
President Tokayev proposed cooperating with Arab countries to increase the volume and range of export supplies of agricultural goods. He highlighted the importance of synchronizing standards, technical regulations, and certification systems, suggesting the potential of the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS) to implement these tasks.
The President suggested establishing a mechanism for meetings of agriculture ministers to enhance cooperation in the field of global food security.
In the tourism sector, President Tokayev emphasized Kazakhstan’s unique tourist resources and the intention to promote a tourism product in various spheres. He announced visa-free access for all Gulf countries and the establishment of direct air communication with their capitals.
The President concluded his remarks by affirming Kazakhstan’s commitment to strengthening cooperation for mutual sustainable growth and prosperity.
The first GCC – Central Asian countries summit also included speeches from various leaders, and a joint statement was adopted following the summit.
