Central Asia and the GCC: From Historical Bonds to Strategic Synergy

Articles , / Thursday, April 24th, 2025

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In recent years, ties between Central Asia (CA) and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have gained remarkable momentum, evolving into a partnership with long-term strategic significance. This growing cooperation is underpinned by economic complementarity, deep historical and cultural ties, and shared geostrategic interests.

A major milestone was the first-ever CA-GCC summit, held in Jeddah on July 19, 2023, setting the foundation for institutionalized dialogue. The upcoming second summit in Samarkand in May 2025 symbolizes a revival of historic linkages, with the ancient Silk Road city emblematic of centuries of East-West exchange.

Dr. Eldor Aripov, Director of the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, remarked, “Central Asia is uniquely positioned at the crossroads of Eurasia, offering unparalleled opportunities for regional and global cooperation, particularly with the GCC, whose vision aligns with our regional goals for long-term economic growth and stability.”

Historical Foundations

Relations between Central Asia and the Arabian Peninsula stretch back to the 2nd century BC, with the Great Silk Road facilitating extensive trade in silk, spices, and precious goods. The spread of Islam in the 8th century further deepened ties. Central Asian scholars like al-Bukhari, al-Khwarizmi, and Ibn Sina made significant contributions to science and theology, often collaborating with Arab contemporaries at centers such as Baghdad’s House of Wisdom.

However, by the 16th century, maritime trade began to eclipse overland routes, weakening historical ties. The 20th century’s ideological divides further strained connections. The dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991 marked a new chapter, as the GCC was among the first to recognize the independence of Central Asian republics, establishing diplomatic ties and embassies across the region.

A New Era of Engagement

Since 2020, interregional relations have deepened. A Joint Action Plan for 2023–2027 now guides cooperation, following key summits and ministerial meetings. Trade, tourism, and investment flows have significantly increased.

GCC investments in Central Asia have tripled since 2022, while the Islamic Development Bank has allocated over $9.1 billion, 60% of which has gone to CA. Tourism has surged: Uzbekistan saw a 44.5% rise in GCC tourists in 2024 compared to 2023, with visitors from Saudi Arabia and the UAE leading the trend.

This cooperation is supported by greater political stability and regional integration in Central Asia. Mechanisms like the Consultative Meetings of CA heads of state have facilitated conflict resolution and policy alignment. In just seven years, the region’s GDP has grown by 6.3%, intra-regional trade quadrupled, and mutual investments nearly doubled.

Additionally, the “CA Plus” dialogue formats – over ten created to date – including CA-GCC, demonstrate the region’s proactive engagement with international partners to shape its development trajectory.

Strategic Convergence

Both regions share aspirations for economic diversification, sustainable development, and innovation-driven growth. The GCC’s vision programs – Saudi Vision 2030, UAE 2031, Qatar 2030, and others – mirror Central Asian national strategies focused on industrialization, agriculture, infrastructure, and clean energy.

From 2022 to 2024, CA’s economy grew at an average annual rate of 4.7%, with its nominal GDP reaching $520 billion. GCC states experienced 2% GDP growth in 2024, after a 7.9% boom in 2022. The complementarity is clear: the GCC’s energy wealth and investment capacity match Central Asia’s rich resources, strategic location, and youthful labor force.

Geographically, both regions are pivotal. While the Gulf connects maritime routes across three continents, Central Asia lies at the heart of Eurasia’s land corridors, reinforcing their roles as global trade connectors.

Expanding Horizons

Despite positive progress, untapped potential remains. In 2024, CA-GCC trade turnover stood at just $4 billion – less than 1% of GCC’s total external trade. There’s an urgent need for a multilateral trade agreement, as proposed by Uzbekistan’s president at the 2023 summit.

Infrastructure is another barrier. The lack of robust logistics networks hampers economic integration. The proposed Trans-Afghan Corridor, also championed by Uzbekistan, could redefine connectivity, offering the GCC direct access to Central Asia and vice versa, drastically lowering transport costs and boosting trade.

Investment is another strategic pillar. Central Asia, with its abundant natural resources, transit corridors, and growing consumer base, is increasingly attractive to global and Gulf investors. GCC sovereign funds and private capital could find long-term opportunities across energy, green technology, manufacturing, tourism, and digital infrastructure.

A Future of Shared Prosperity

The evolving CA-GCC partnership, grounded in shared history and aligned strategic goals, is entering a new phase of maturity. As both regions seek to redefine their roles in a changing global order, their cooperation can serve as a model of interregional synergy – balancing economic pragmatism with cultural and historical affinity.

Dr. Abdulaziz Sager, Chairman of the Gulf Research Center (GRC), stated, “The CA-GCC partnership represents a perfect synergy of shared goals, strategic vision, and historical bonds, promising a prosperous future built on mutual cooperation and sustainable growth.”

By leveraging complementary strengths and accelerating joint projects, Central Asia and the GCC can ensure lasting mutual benefit, stability, and prosperity for decades to come.