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.
