Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The First Forum of Think Tanks from the Central Asian countries and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) will be held on 28-29 April 2025, in Tashkent. The theme of the forum will be "Strengthening Strategic Partnership: From Historical Ties to Comprehensive Cooperation."

The event is organized by the Institute for Strategic and Interregional Studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Gulf Research Center from Saudi Arabia.

More than 70 distinguished experts from the Central Asian countries (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan) and the GCC countries (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain) are expected to attend the forum, which will become a significant milestone in further strengthening cooperation between these two vast macroregions. Representatives of the GCC Secretariat, the diplomatic corps, and the business community will also be invited.

The forum will focus on key aspects of current and future cooperation between the countries of Central Asia and the Arab Gulf States. Discussions will center on strengthening political dialogue, aligning approaches to regional security, enhancing trade and investment ties, implementing green energy projects, and developing transport corridors.

A special emphasis will be placed on developing practical initiatives that could bring a new dynamic to interregional partnerships and unlock the potential for joint development.

Key outcomes of the forum are expected to include the adoption of a joint statement and the signing of memorandums of cooperation between the think tanks of Central Asia and the GCC. These documents will lay the groundwork for establishing systematic collaboration between the expert communities of both regions.

Additionally, the recommendations formulated during the forum will make an important contribution to the agenda of the Second Summit of Central Asian and GCC Leaders, scheduled to take place in Samarkand.

The upcoming forum will strengthen the long-term partnership between Central Asia and the Gulf countries, revive shared historical heritage, and set new directions for enhancing multifaceted dialogue.