IICA Facilitates Strategic Talks between Uzbekistan and Saudi Arabia

Tashkent, The Gulf Observer: The International Institute for Central Asia (IICA) played host to a pivotal meeting with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Uzbekistan, Yousef Al-Otaibi, aiming to explore and enhance the prospects for collaboration between the two nations.

Acknowledging the historical connectivity between the peoples of Central Asia and the Gulf countries, the participants highlighted the foundational elements of this connection, including close trade ties, shared values, traditions, and a common religious heritage. The meeting delved into the productive outcomes of the historic Summit of the Heads of State of Central Asia and the Cooperation Council of the Arab States of the Gulf, serving as a significant impetus for further collaboration in key sectors such as trade, transport, agriculture, industrial cooperation, green energy development, digital economy, and innovation.

Special attention was directed towards President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s initiatives presented at the First Meeting of the C5+ countries and the Gulf States in Jeddah. Key initiatives include the signing of an Agreement on Friendship, Regional Connectivity and Cooperation, the establishment of an Investor Council, the formation of a visa-free tourist space named “Gulf – Central Asia,” and the upcoming Second Summit of the Heads of State of Central Asia and the Gulf countries scheduled for 2025 in Samarkand.

The meeting highlighted significant strides in strengthening bilateral cooperation between Uzbekistan and Saudi Arabia, particularly in the tourism sector, where partnerships have been actively developed. Notably, the number of tourists from Uzbekistan reached an impressive 500 thousand in 2023. The parties also discussed advancements in visa regulations, emphasizing the introduction of an electronic visa for Uzbek tourists visiting Saudi Arabia—a pivotal step that allows multiple entries for up to 90 days, valid for a year.

Underlining the strategic importance of cooperation in the aviation sector, the parties expressed their intention to increase the current 28 weekly mutual air flights to 50 flights per week.

Concluding the meeting, both parties stressed the significance of strengthening collaboration between the expert and analytical communities of Central Asia and the Gulf countries. Additionally, agreements were made to establish partnerships between IICA and leading analytical centers in Saudi Arabia, further fostering mutual understanding and cooperation between the regions.