President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev attended the first Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) – Central Asian countries summit in Jeddah, where he emphasized the importance of expanding cooperation and partnership between Central Asia and the Gulf countries. He praised the dynamic trade between the regions but stressed the need to realize their true potential in mutual trade. President Tokayev expressed Kazakhstan's readiness to increase exports to the Gulf countries in various commodities worth about $400 million.
The summit addressed investment cooperation, with Kazakhstan witnessing a significant increase in net investment inflow last year, and the Gulf countries having invested about $3.6 billion in Kazakhstan's economy. President Tokayev highlighted the creation of a business council between Kazakhstan and Saudi Arabia to tap into the trade and investment potential of both nations. Additionally, he invited all Gulf member states to utilize the advanced tools of the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC).
The President also discussed energy cooperation, Kazakhstan's focus on improving the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), and the country's interest in enhancing agricultural exports to Arab countries. He proposed collaboration in synchronizing standards and certification systems with the potential of the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS) to boost global food security. The summit participants adopted a joint statement reaffirming their commitment to strengthening cooperation and achieving mutual sustainable growth and prosperity.
