Riyadh, April 20 (QNA) - Secretary-General of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC), Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, affirmed that relations between GCC countries and Central Asian states are built on a solid foundation of shared history and mutual interests. He emphasized that the existing partnership is well-positioned for further growth and prosperity in the coming years.

Speaking at a workshop on strengthening the strategic partnership between the GCC and Central Asian States, organized by the Gulf Research Center in collaboration with the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan (ISRS), Albudaiwi noted that ties between the two regions are among the most promising regional relationships, having seen steady development in recent decades.

He explained that trade exchange represents a significant opportunity that has yet to reach its full potential. While total commodity trade between the two sides reached approximately $10 billion in 2023, this figure accounts for only 0.7% of the GCC's total global trade volume. GCC exports to Central Asian countries totaled about $8 billion, compared to $1.6 billion in imports.

Addressing the current situation in the Arabian Gulf, the Secretary-General stated that since February 28, 2026, GCC countries have been subjected to over 6,000 missile and drone attacks within a single month. These strikes targeted vital civilian infrastructure, including ports, airports, energy facilities, and residential areas, resulting in loss of life and severe material damage.

He further noted that the repercussions of this crisis have extended to the security of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, through which more than 20% of global energy supplies pass. This impact affects economies worldwide, including those in Central Asia. Albudaiwi reaffirmed the GCC states' full and legitimate right to self-defense under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, and their commitment to taking necessary measures to protect their security, sovereignty, and people, while maintaining a firm dedication to avoiding escalation and preserving regional and international peace and security. (QNA)