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The 22nd International Meeting on Syria, part of the Astana process led by Turkiye, Russia and Iran, was held in Kazakhstan’s capital this week. Key topics included Syria’s regional situation, progress toward a comprehensive settlement and the current situation on the ground. The talks also covered confidence-building measures like releasing hostages and locating missing persons, as well as humanitarian initiatives. Participants discussed the need for international support for Syria’s postconflict recovery and conditions for the voluntary return of refugees. The Astana format talks, launched in 2017, aim to resolve the Syrian civil war, which has displaced more than 14 million people since 2011.

Despite being considered a negotiation path independent of the UN’s Geneva peace process, it is one among several other signs showing the growing links and relations between Central Asia and the Middle East. When it comes to the talks in Astana, having both Russia and Turkiye in this context is a stabilizing initiative that bridges regions. With Moscow and Ankara involved in the Syrian conflict and other tense files, this supports dialogue and diplomacy when possible. Astana represents a recognized neutral ground for the resolution of the conflict.

But this is just one of the initiatives that highlight the growing reciprocal geopolitical weight between Central Asia and the Middle East, more specifically the Gulf Cooperation Council. It is becoming clear how countries in both regions can mediate for each other. We can also notice a new path where regional powers look to solve issues or avoid escalation outside of the usual international institutions.

In the face of great power competition, the two regions have taken the initiative to carve out their own paths

Khaled Abou Zahr

On this matter, Kazakhstan has proven its capacity to work with diverse actors from the GCC, Europe and Asia. This understanding was obvious during Kazakhstani President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s state visit to France last week. His meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized a strengthened partnership between France and Kazakhstan. This enlargement of international relationships has become a commonality between both regions in the face of shifting alliances and great power competition.

The GCC and Central Asia mirror the same diplomatic balancing act needed to navigate high stakes. They share a need for stability within similar conditions. In the face of great power competition, the two regions have taken the initiative to carve out their own paths. They are creating the multipolar world often mentioned today. Instead of submitting to the great power competition, the countries in these regions are looking to find what is best for themselves, whether on geopolitical or energy issues. This shared geopolitical strategy is in turn strengthening the ties between Central Asia and the GCC as they navigate similar pressures.

There is also a growing alignment between the two regions when it comes to core issues for the stability of both. One example is Afghanistan following the withdrawal of US troops and the eruption of an extremely volatile situation. Both regions grasped how instability there could lead to cross-border security risks, increased extremism and refugee flows. Hence, the GCC and Central Asian states played an important role in supporting stability in the country. Moreover, during the high-level meeting between Central Asian and GCC countries in April, the same alignment was noticeable regarding the Middle East peace process.

Energy and supply chain routes also undoubtedly bring the two regions even closer. There has been a broader integration within the energy sector. First, the GCC has invested in renewable energy projects across Central Asia. Moreover, investments and know-how have also been pushed forward to lower emissions in the fossil fuel industry. This has strengthened economic ties and also presented new opportunities for international companies. And so, it is logical that part of this rapprochement includes discussions on strengthening energy trade routes, which will in turn enhance regional economic integration and accessibility. Yet, as the geopolitical climate becomes more tense, the planning of energy routes becomes more complicated.

It is logical that part of this rapprochement includes discussions on strengthening energy trade routes

Khaled Abou Zahr

Both regions have significant oil and gas reserves, as well as deposits of rare earth elements. This means that they have the same understanding of the way external powers interact. This has resulted in the formulation of a true multilateral vision in both regions. They understand all too well the risks of great power competition shifting into conflict or hegemony, hence they have proven to be stabilizing voices through this multilateralism. This also means supporting a diplomatic approach versus a unilateral one.

During the ongoing COP29 conference in Azerbaijan, where fighting climate change and geopolitics merge, the GCC and Central Asia understand they face the same issues, such as water scarcity and desertification. Hence, both regions can collaborate on sustainable resource management, renewable energy investments and adaptation measures. This can also be balanced with each country’s economic interests in order to maintain economic stability, especially in the fossil fuel sector. On this occasion, ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ launched the region’s first voluntary carbon credit exchange platform, offering 2.5 million certified carbon credits.

There is, especially in times of tension like we live in today, an aspect that is often overlooked and it is the human one, particularly the bonds within cultural heritage. We have noticed a greater cultural diplomacy through academic partnerships, as well as tourism and arts initiatives. It is not uncommon to witness exhibitions in the Gulf presenting art or fashion from Central Asia. Central Asia has also gained in popularity for Gulf tourists, especially with greater airline availability. These cultural exchanges are the true strength and cement between the two regions, as they create genuine people-to-people connections on top of the necessary friendships between leaders.

• Khaled Abou Zahr is the founder of SpaceQuest Ventures, a space-focused investment platform. He is CEO of EurabiaMedia and editor of Al-Watan Al-Arabi.