Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — A high-level meeting was held in the capital of Uzbekistan within the framework of the "Central Asia – Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)" Strategic Dialogue, Dunyo news agency reported.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, delegations from all Central Asian countries participated, as well as representatives from Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, the UAE, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the GCC Secretariat.

During the discussions, the parties focused on the prospects for further strengthening cooperation between the regions and preparation for the Second "Central Asia – GCC" Summit.

Opening speeches were delivered by Bakhramjon A'loyev, First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan, Najib al-Badr, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kuwait (representing the chair country of the GCC) and Ali Al-Uwaishik, Deputy Secretary-General of the GCC.

The participants emphasized the strategic importance of developing partnerships in political-diplomatic, trade-economic, investment, and cultural-humanitarian spheres. Special attention was given to the development of practical recommendations for deepening bilateral cooperation.

The parties reaffirmed their commitment to expanding multilateral cooperation and strengthening ties between Central Asia and the Arab states of the Persian Gulf.