On behalf of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chaired the Gulf Cooperation Council-Central Asia Summit in Jeddah on Wednesday, according to SPA Agency. HRH the Crown Prince received the leaders and heads of delegations participating in the GCC-Central Asia Summit upon their arrival at the summit's venue. After that, the GCC-Central Asia Summit started with the recitation of verses from the Holy Quran. Then, HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, delivered the following speech: 'I am pleased, on behalf of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, to welcome you to Saudi Arabia, your second country, and ask Allah the Almighty to grant success to our first summit, for the good of our countries that are linked by historic ties. We look forward to working together to open new horizons to take advantage of the available opportunities for joint cooperation in all fields. Your Majesties, Excellencies and Highnesses, The challenges facing our world today require that we exert all efforts to strengthen cooperation among our countries to achieve regional security and stability while stressing that it is important to respect the sovereignty, independence and values of each country, and the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of any. We also stress the need to intensify joint action to confront challenges posed to energy security and global food supply chains. As we announce the action plan adopted by the GCC and the Central Asia countries for the period 2023-2027, which includes political and security dialogue, economic cooperation and investment opportunities, strengthening communication among peoples, and the establishment of effective partnerships between the business sectors in our countries, we commit to continue discussing ways to boost our relations and cooperate even closer. In this regard, we appreciate your countries' declaration of support for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's bid to host the World Expo 2030 in Riyadh, which reflects the strength of relations between our countries and our aspiration for a better future for our region.' After that, their Excellences and Highnesses, leaders and heads of delegations participating in the GCC-Central Asia Summit delivered speeches. Then, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, announced the adoption of the final communique and the resolutions issued by the summit. The joint statement issued by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Central Asia Summit on Wednesday affirmed the importance of strengthening political and strategic relations between the GCC countries and Central Asia, stressing the importance of dialogue and partnership towards new horizons in various fields. The leaders stressed the importance of strengthening political and strategic relations between the two sides at the collective and bilateral levels, and continuing political coordination in order to achieve regional and international security and stability, face challenges, and work to ensure the flexibility of supply chains, transportation and communication, food security, energy security, and water security. They expressed concern about the growing rhetoric of racism and Islamophobia, and acts of violence against Muslim minorities and Islamic symbols.

Source: AZERTAC, Azerbaijan State News Agency