Riyadh: Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi affirmed that relations between the GCC countries and the Central Asian countries are based on solid foundations of shared history and mutual interests. He expressed confidence that this partnership will witness further growth and prosperity, reflecting the aspirations of its peoples for a more stable, prosperous, and integrated future. According to Saudi Press Agency, Albudaiwi made these remarks during his participation in the workshop "Strengthening the Strategic Partnership between the GCC Countries and Central Asian Countries: From Historical Ties to Comprehensive Cooperation," organized by the Gulf Research Center in cooperation with the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, held in Riyadh. The workshop was attended by Chairman of the Gulf Research Center Dr. Abdulaziz Sager, Director of the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies Dr. Eldor Aripov, and s everal ambassadors of Central Asian countries accredited to Riyadh. Albudaiwi expressed his gratitude to Dr. Abdulaziz Sager for organizing the workshop, which provided an opportunity to exchange views and discuss ways to develop strategic relations and enhance cooperation between the GCC and Central Asian countries. He commended the researchers and experts from Central Asian countries for their keen interest in the workshop. In his address, Albudaiwi stated that relations between the GCC and Central Asian countries are promising regional relationships, witnessing increasing development in recent decades. He highlighted that these relations are rooted in historical, cultural, and religious ties, alongside shared economic and security interests. He noted Central Asian countries' vast natural resources, particularly in the energy sector, and emphasized the GCC's expertise in energy management and infrastructure investment as key areas for cooperation. Albudaiwi also discussed security challenges shared by th e GCC and Central Asian states, such as combating terrorism and ensuring regional stability. He emphasized economic integration as a fundamental pillar for strengthening trade and investment relations, citing the GCC's significant GDP and trade figures as indicators of their global competitiveness. The secretary general called for expanding investment partnership channels and enhancing economic integration to elevate trade exchange between the GCC and Central Asian countries. He pointed out that although the total merchandise trade between the two sides reached approximately $10 billion in 2023, it represents only a small fraction of the GCC's total global trade volume. Regarding security challenges, Albudaiwi highlighted the grave security threats faced by the GCC countries, including missile and drone attacks targeting civilian facilities. He mentioned the UN Security Council's condemnation of these attacks and stressed the GCC's reliance on the international community to ensure the full implementation of the resolution. Albudaiwi concluded by reaffirming the GCC countries' commitment to self-defense and maintaining regional and international peace and security, while calling for support from international partners in safeguarding energy supplies and upholding international law.