Saudi Arabia's recent GCC-C5 Summit saw top political leaders, diplomats, and geopolitical experts assemble to discuss the implications of the summit on regional security and cooperation. Among the attendees was Dr. Farkhod Tolipov, a leading expert in geopolitics and regional security and integration, who shared insights on the event with Daryo correspondent Tawney.
"The GCC-C5 Summit is not so much geopolitical, but more a region-to-region cooperation format focusing on the most urgent issues both regions face today," Tolipov explained. He also emphasized two critical aspects of the summit - uninterrupted food supply and energy security. These topics, he noted, had been spotlighted by the Saudi prince at the summit's onset, influenced by the ongoing situation in Ukraine and the Black Sea Deal.
"The implications of such interruption of supply chain is felt in different distances from Ukraine. So many countries, including some Arab nations, are dependent on this grain supply from Russia and Ukraine. That's why the Saudi prince emphasized this point," Tolipov said.
Energy security, particularly for Central Asian countries like Uzbekistan experiencing a severe energy crisis, was also a hot-button issue at the summit. These topics, along with others yet to be announced, reflect the intricate ties between the Gulf and Central Asia, and their shared concerns.
Interestingly, Tolipov noted that the GCC-C5 summit is reminiscent of other similar "C5 plus one" formats, where five Central Asian countries collaborate with a global power. This further underscores Central Asia's growing significance on the world stage, due to its geographic proximity to global powers like Russia and China, and its involvement in projects like China's Belt and Road Initiative.
However, the summit's impact on regional security and stability is complicated, according to Tolipov. While there is hope for joint efforts between the Gulf region and Central Asia, many challenges, such as political tensions, economic instability, and security threats, remain.
"There is great hope for joint efforts of two regions in terms of strengthening security, but at the same time there are some factors which are probably out of their competence," Tolipov warned.
He pointed to countries like Iran and Afghanistan as potential areas of concern, along with the complex relationships between Gulf states, the West, and other global powers.
While the GCC C5 Summit seems to be a catalyst for change, its actual impact on regional and global security remains to be seen. According to Tolipov, it ultimately depends on the engagement with great powers like Russia, China, the United States, and the European Union. Nevertheless, the summit serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of the global community and the need for continued cooperation amid complex geopolitical transformations.
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