BAKU. TurkicWorld, Adkhamjon Janobiddinov:
President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev arrived in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia to take part in the first Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) – Central Asian countries summit on July 19 in Jeddah, chaired by Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. At the airport, President Mirziyoyev was welcomed by prince Badr bin Sultan Al Saud, Deputy Governor of Mecca Province.
The forum held on July 19 was attended by many heads of state and representatives: Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia and Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Sheikh Mohammed bin Salman al Saud, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Tokayev, President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov, President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, President of the Republic of Turkmenistan Sardar Berdimuhammedov, Deputy Emir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Muhammad bin Rashid al Maktoum, Crown Prince of the State of Kuwait Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Vice-prime minister of the Sultanate of Oman Asa'ad bin Tariq bin Taimur al Said, representative of the king of Bahrain Sheikh Naseer bin Hamad al Khalifa and Secretary general of GCC Council Jassim Muhammad al Budawi.
The President of Uzbekistan in his speech emphasized the deep historical interconnectedness of the peoples of Central Asia and the Gulf region, which is based on close trade relations, common values and traditions, the sacred religion of Islam. Furthermore, the contribution of our outstanding thinkers and scientists to the development of historical ties between Maverannahr and the Arabian region was emphasized:
“We are proud that two of the six famous theologians of the Muslim world were born and raised in our region, and ancient Bukhara gained fame as "Kubbatul Islom" - "The Dome of Islam". It is known that at the beginning of the 9th century, more than 200 scientists from Central Asia carried out their scientific activities at the Academy "House of Wisdom" in the capital of the Abbasid state. And such great scientists as Al-Khwarizmi, Ahmad Fergani, Abu Rayhan Biruni, Ibn Sino, created their invaluable scientific works in the beautiful Arabic language, becoming famous all over the world.”
Moreover, President Mirziyoyev described the importance of cooperation between the regions, despite the current risks and challenges, both regions contribute to be a space of peace, stability and progress. It is also important to note that relations between Uzbekistan and the Gulf countries have risen to a qualitatively new level in recent years.
President Mirziyoyev also mentioned the need to create platforms and mechanisms for cooperation in the field of innovation of AI, Green Economy, digitalization, smart agriculture and nano- and biotechnologies. One of the initiatives President Mirziyoyev also put forward in the summit is to create a Joint Council of Investors with the participation of business representatives and to hold its first meeting in the city of Samarkand. Transport and Logistics between Central Asia and Gulf states was also mentioned during the speech of President Mirziyoyev.
After the summit, on July 19, on the first day of the month of Muharram of the new year 1445 Hijri, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev performed the rites of Umrah. The head of state was given a great honor to enter the sacred Kaaba and perform prayers in it. Shavkat Mirziyoyev made tawaf seven times, that is, a detour around the Kaaba, as well as seven walks between the hills of Safa and Marva. A dua was made asking for the prosperity of Uzbekistan, peace and prosperity for the people of Uzbekistan, happiness and a bright future for all compatriots and the younger generation.
