Experts from the Centre for Strategic Studies at the Institute of International Relations of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan took part in an online conference of analysts from Central Asia and the Gulf states. This was reported by the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’.

Participants acknowledged that recent events in the Middle East have complicated inter-regional relations. Nevertheless, the parties are committed to practical cooperation — a commitment driven by mutual economic interests. According to the Eurasian Development Bank, trade turnover between the Gulf states and Central Asian countries has already exceeded several billion dollars.

Ambassadors, heads of research centres and experts agreed that the states of Central Asia and the Gulf view each other as reliable long-term partners. The cooperation is based on historical ties, shared values and trading traditions.

High-tech industries, investment, ‘green’ energy, the environment, tourism and transport and logistics corridors were identified as priority areas.

Turkmenistan is among the leaders in terms of the growth rate of trade with the Gulf states. The Gulf states account for around 10% of the country’s foreign trade turnover.

Experts from the Centre for Strategic Studies – B. Amansaryev, O. Annabayev and A. Niyazov – represented Turkmenistan at the conference.