On April 20, 2026, the Gulf Research Center (GRC), in partnership with the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of Uzbekistan (ISRS), convened the second edition of the Gulf–Central Asia Think Tank Forum, held online.
The seminar brought together leading think tanks from both regions and featured opening remarks by His Excellency Jasem AlBudaiwi @GCCSG , Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), who highlighted key priorities shaping the evolving
Gulf-Central Asia relationship. The forum focused on two main thematic sessions:
- Regional Security Dynamics & Conflict Spillover: Examined the evolving security environment amid rising geopolitical competition and conflicts, highlighting shared risks such as spillover effects, non-state actors, and transnational threats. The discussion also addressed developments in Afghanistan, the Middle East, Ukraine, and the South Caucasus, while identifying opportunities to strengthen Gulf-Central Asia coordination.
In this context, participants discussed the shared positions of Central Asian countries and Azerbaijan in support of the security of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, including the condemnation of Iranian attacks on GCC countries, and emphasized that the security and stability of the Gulf constitute a fundamental pillar of regional and international security. They also addressed the importance of strengthening joint coordination in combating extremism and terrorism.
- Trade, Energy, and Transport Corridors: Explored trade, investment, energy cooperation, and connectivity, highlighting how both regions can leverage their strategic geography to deepen economic interdependence. Discussions emphasized the role of connectivity initiatives, evolving energy landscapes, and logistics networks in supporting diversification and long-term regional integration.
This forum forms part of an ongoing GRC-ISRS partnership aimed at strengthening dialogue and collaboration among think tanks in the Gulf and Central Asia.
On April 2, 2026, Dr. Abdulaziz Sager, Founder and Chairman of the Gulf Research Center (GRC), met with H.E. Mr. Oskar Wüstinger, Ambassador of Austria to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, at the GRC headquarters in Riyadh to discuss areas of mutual interest and recent regional developments.
On April 2, 2026, Dr. Abdulaziz Sager, Founder and Chairman of the Gulf Research Center (GRC), met with H.E. Mr. Oskar Wüstinger, Ambassador of Austria to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, at the GRC headquarters in Riyadh to discuss areas of mutual interest and recent regional developments.
On March 31, 2026, Dr. Abdulaziz Sager, Founder and Chairman of the Gulf Research Center (GRC), met with H.E. Mr. Jean-Philippe Linteau, Ambassador of Canada to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and H.E. Ms. Stefanie McCollum, Director General, Middle East at Global Affairs Canada, at the GRC headquarters in Riyadh.
On March 31, 2026, Dr. Abdulaziz Sager, Founder and Chairman of the Gulf Research Center (GRC), received H.E. Mr. Jean-Philippe Linteau, Ambassador of Canada to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, along with H.E. Ms. Stefanie McCollum, Director General, Middle East at Global Affairs Canada, at the GRC office in Riyadh.
During the meeting, both sides exchanged views on areas of mutual interest and discussed the latest regional developments, highlighting opportunities for enhanced dialogue and cooperation between the GRC and Canadian institutions. The discussion also emphasized the importance of continued engagement between research centers and international partners in fostering informed perspectives on regional and global affairs.
The meeting reflects the GRC’s ongoing commitment to strengthening international partnerships and supporting constructive dialogue on key geopolitical issues.
On March 30, 2026, Dr. Abdulaziz Sager, Founder and Chairman of the Gulf Research Center (GRC), met with H.E. Mr. Yasunari Morino, Ambassador of Japan to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, at the GRC headquarters in Riyadh to discuss areas of mutual interest and current regional developments.
On March 30, 2026, Dr. Abdulaziz Sager, Founder and Chairman of the Gulf Research Center (GRC), received H.E. Mr. Yasunari Morino, Ambassador of Japan to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, at the GRC office in Riyadh.
During the meeting, both sides exchanged views on areas of mutual interest and discussed current regional developments, highlighting opportunities for enhanced dialogue and cooperation between the GRC and Japanese institutions. The discussion underscored the importance of continued engagement between research centers and diplomatic missions in fostering mutual understanding and supporting informed policy dialogue.
The meeting reflects the GRC’s ongoing commitment to strengthening its international partnerships and contributing to constructive discussions on regional and global affairs.
On March 30, 2026, Dr. Abdulaziz Sager, Founder and Chairman of the Gulf Research Center (GRC), met with H.E. Mr. Ahmed Farooq, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, at the GRC headquarters in Riyadh to discuss areas of mutual interest and current regional developments.
On March 30, 2026, Dr. Abdulaziz Sager, Founder and Chairman of the Gulf Research Center (GRC), received H.E. Mr. Ahmed Farooq, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, at the GRC headquarters in Riyadh.
The meeting focused on areas of mutual interest and included an exchange of views on current regional developments, with discussions highlighting opportunities for enhanced dialogue and cooperation between the GRC and Pakistani institutions. Both sides emphasized the importance of continued engagement and knowledge exchange in addressing regional challenges and supporting informed policy perspectives.
The meeting reflects the GRC’s ongoing commitment to strengthening its international partnerships and fostering constructive dialogue on regional and global issues.
