Shavkat Mirziyoyev proposes introducing visa-free regime between Central Asian countries and Persian Gulf states

On July 19, Shavkat Mirziyoyev took part in the first summit of the leaders of Central Asian countries and the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf. At the meeting, the president proposed to expand practical cooperation between the two regions in a number of priority areas.

First – regional interconnectedness

The President of Uzbekistan noted the importance of developing large-scale cooperation in various formats. In order to bring the fraternal countries and peoples closer together, it was proposed to study the issue of developing a multilateral agreement on friendship, regional interconnectedness and cooperation.

Second – sphere of high technologies and investments

The need to create platforms and working mechanisms for cooperation in the field of innovation, artificial intelligence, "green" economy, digitalization, "smart" agriculture, nano- and biotechnologies was noted. An initiative was put forward to create a Joint Council of Investors with the participation of business representatives and to hold its first meeting in the city of Samarkand.

Third – strengthening of trade and transport relations

The president stressed the relevance of creating a free trade zone with the Gulf countries, harmonizing technical regulations and developing electronic commerce. In this regard, it was proposed to work out the issue of signing a multilateral trade agreement.

In the field of transport and transit, it was proposed to apply favorable tariffs when using the Median Transport Corridor, the widespread use of existing multimodal routes, and an increase in direct flights using subsidy measures.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev also called on the partners to take an active part in the strategic project for the construction of the Trans-Afghan Railway, which will connect the Gulf states with Central Asia along the shortest route.

Fourth – ecology and climate change

The importance of developing an international joint research program on the basis of the University for the Study of the Environment and Climate Change of Central Asia, which is opening in Uzbekistan, was noted.

Fifth – tourism sector

It was proposed to create a single visa-free tourist space "Gulf - Central Asia", modern clusters and joint tourism products, as well as to hold a forum of leading tour operators of the two regions in the city of Khiva, which was declared the Tourism Capital of the Islamic World for 2024.

Sixth – joint action against terrorism

The need to strengthen cooperation in the fight against terrorism, extremism, radicalism and drug trafficking, as well as to protect young people from the spread of these threats through the Internet and other channels, was indicated.

The President of Uzbekistan also touched upon the issues of peace in Afghanistan.

“Our regions should be active and draw the attention of the entire world community to the problems of Afghanistan from high tribunes in order to make life easier for the Afghan people,” Mirziyoyev said.

At the end of his speech, the President of Uzbekistan expressed confidence that the results of the historic summit would serve to bring the multifaceted relations between the regions of Central Asia and the Gulf to a whole new level.

Following the event, a Joint Statement was adopted.

In addition, the summit participants supported the proposal of the Republic of Uzbekistan to hold the next meeting of leaders in the format of "Central Asia - Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf" in the city of Samarkand.