The dialogue marked a continuation of earlier engagements between the two think tanks. Notably, during the Central Asia–Gulf Think Tank Forum organized by IICA and the Bourse & Bazaar Foundation, the two institutions signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

As highlighted by both sides, the MoU represents a key step toward institutionalizing cooperation and lays a solid foundation for the joint implementation of research-driven initiatives.

The partcipants exchanged views on collaborative projects in research, the organization of joint seminars, roundtables, and conferences, and identified priority areas for future inquiry — including education, sustainable development, energy, transport connectivity, trade, and investment.

Dr. Sager emphasized the positive trajectory of relations between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and Central Asia, reflected in regular high-level engagements, regional summits, and a growing political dialogue. He also noted the significant increase in direct flights between Saudi Arabia and Uzbekistan, which he described as a tangible indicator of strengthened bilateral relations and expanded economic and cultural exchange.

In turn, J.Vakhabov underlined the historical and cultural ties shared by Central Asian and Gulf countries, as well as their common religious values, which he said play an important role in deepening mutual understanding. He stressed that cooperation should not be limited to cultural and spiritual domains but must extend into areas such as education, science, technology, innovation, and sustainable development.

Concluding the meeting, both sides expressed a strong interest in deepening dialogue between research institutions in Central Asia and the Gulf. They underscored the importance of sustained expert-level engagement and the need to establish a resilient platform for generating joint academic and analytical approaches to global and regional trends.

The Gulf Research Center (GRC), founded in 2000, is a leading think tank focused on the socio-economic and political dynamics of the Gulf region. Ranked among the world’s top 150 think tanks in international affairs, the GRC holds accredited observer status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). It collaborates with over 90 research institutions across Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and North America.