Manama: Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs, participated today in the third joint ministerial meeting of the strategic dialogue between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and Central Asian countries. The meeting aimed to prepare for the upcoming summit of GCC and Central Asian leaders, set to occur in Samarkand, Republic of Uzbekistan, on May 5.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the meeting was chaired by Abdullah Ali Al Yahya, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Kuwait and President of the current session of the GCC Ministerial Council. It was attended by foreign ministers from participating countries and Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, the GCC Secretary General. The ministers discussed preparations for the second summit between GCC and Central Asian leaders, focusing on topics to be featured on the summit's agenda.
The meeting also reviewed the joint action plan for the 2023-2027 period and explored proposed initiatives to enhance cooperation in areas of shared interest. These initiatives are intended to strengthen both bilateral and multilateral collaboration, benefiting the participating countries and their populations.
Further discussions included reviewing reports on the progress made in implementing the outcomes of the first summit, previous joint ministerial meetings, and technical committee and working group sessions. The two sides also addressed recent regional and international developments and their impact on regional security, stability, and global peace.
The ministers exchanged views on Arab and international efforts to resolve conflicts and achieve comprehensive peace in the Middle East, along with the efforts of Central Asian states to ensure security, stability, and promote development and prosperity for their peoples.