Recently, analysts from the centre for strategic studies at the Institute of international relations of the MFA of Turkmenistan took part in an online conference of experts from the Central Asian region and researchers from the Gulf countries.
It should be immediately noted that recent events in the Middle East have negatively impacted the steadily developing relations between the regions. This assessment was expressed almost unanimously by the conference participants.Nevertheless, the optimistic spirit of the delegations of the countries participating in the dialogue, their focus on the positive and rapid and effective continuation of interregional ties prevailed and returned everyone to the channel of practical cooperation for the benefit of the peoples inhabiting both regions. And this is undoubtedly facilitated by mutual economic interest. Despite the short existence of the «CA + GCC» format, trade turnover between the Persian Gulf countries and Central Asia, according to the Eurasian Development Bank, has exceeded several billion USA dollars.
According to the speakers, who included ambassadors from participating countries, heads of research centers, and leading regional experts and analysts, the states of Central Asia and the Gulf today view each other as reliable and long-term partners. All participants in the format are interested in expanding practical cooperation between the two regions in the political, trade, economic, cultural, and humanitarian spheres.An important basis for the development and intensification of interaction is the historical ties between the two regions. Since ancient times, the peoples of Central Asia and the Gulf have maintained close trade relations and shared common values and traditions.
The current deepening of dialogue and joint cooperation plans are linked to the fact that the Gulf countries play an important role as investors, and the Central Asian region as a potential partner in energy and transport projects. It was noted that the earliest possible resumption of cooperation between Central Asian countries and the GCC will primarily affect the areas of high technology and investment, ecology, tourism, security, and the fight against terrorism. However, the focus will remain on issues of economic diversification, green energy, the creation of joint chambers of commerce, transport and logistics corridors, and the development of investment potential.
It should be noted that during the period of interaction within the format, Turkmenistan has become one of the leaders in terms of growth rates: its trade with the Gulf countries has increased tenfold. According to EDB estimates, relationshipn of Turkmenistan with the GCC is particularly significant: cooperation with the Persian Gulf states accounts for approximately 10 percent of the country's foreign trade turnover.
Experts from the Centre for strategic studies of the IIR of the MFA of Turkmenistan B. Amansaryyev, O. Annabayev and A. Nyyazov took part in the conference.
