RIYADH: Saudi Investment Minister Khalid Al-Falih on Wednesday said that Saudi Arabia seeks to strengthen its longstanding ties with Central Asian countries. He emphasized the Kingdom’s commitment to the region during the first-ever summit between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and five Central Asian countries, held in Jeddah.
The GCC-C5 Summit welcomed the participation of Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan. Minister Al-Falih highlighted the Kingdom’s prominent position at regional, continental, and global levels under the leadership of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, emphasizing the positive outcomes expected from the summit.
The minister expressed optimism regarding the development and expansion of economic and investment relations among the participating countries. Al-Falih emphasized that collaboration would open up opportunities to enhance trade relations between these nations. He underscored the deep historical and religious bonds that have connected Muslims in the region for centuries, further strengthening Saudi Arabia’s relations with Central Asian countries.
Al-Falih welcomed the strategic development plans presented by Central Asian countries, including Kyrgyzstan’s National Development Strategy 2018-2040 and Kazakhstan’s Strategy 2050. These plans align well with the vision statements of the GCC, particularly Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, Oman’s Vision 2040, and Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030.
Saudi Arabia’s Investments in Central Asian Countries
Highlighting the already established trade ties, the minister noted various investments made by Saudi entities in Central Asian countries. Saudi utility major ACWA Power, for instance, has made significant investments in the region. Furthermore, the Kingdom has contributed to major infrastructure projects in Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, and Kazakhstan. Examples include investments in Uzbekistan’s health sector by Dr. Sulaiman Al-Habib Medical Group and investments in Kazakhstan’s tourism sector by Fawaz Al-Hokair Group.
Air connectivity between the regions has also improved, with Saudi airlines like flynas facilitating travel between Saudi Arabia and Central Asian countries. Additionally, Al Rajhi International Group has outlined investment plans in Uzbekistan’s agricultural sector.
During the High-Level Political Forum 2023 in New York, Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal Al-Ibrahim held discussions with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to explore avenues for cooperation in sustainable development. Al-Ibrahim also met with Austrian Minister of EU Affairs Karoline Edtstadler to discuss bilateral relations and the latest advancements in sustainable development.
