A research paper by TRENDS Research & Advisory’s Istanbul Office emphasized that the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have made a significant strategic shift in recent years, as they move towards strengthening relations with the Global South and diversifying their trade and political partnerships.

Presented by Serhat Süha Çubukçuoğlu, Senior Researcher and Director of TRENDS’ Istanbul Office, at a roundtable event titled “Conflict Hotspots around Türkiye” organized by Kent University in Instanbul, the research paper explained that these shifts are a result of the rapidly changing global geopolitical landscape, which has led to a shift in economic and political power from the West to the East.

The paper highlighted the importance of Türkiye and China in the new strategies of GCC countries, noting that GCC-Turkish relations have seen significant development, especially in light of the ambitious project to build a development corridor linking Türkiye to Iraq, which is viewed as a safer alternative to projects passing through Israel.

It pointed out that China has become the largest trade partner for major GCC countries such as the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, reflecting the depth of economic ties between the two sides.

The paper also indicated that despite the pivot towards the East, the GCC countries continue to closely monitor developments in the region, particularly tensions with Iran, warning of the dangers of a broad regional conflict and calling for dialogue and restraint. It noted that trade between the GCC and Israel has grown as part of efforts to achieve stability in the region.

The paper concluded that this strategic shift by the GCC countries would shape the regional and international landscape in the coming years. Still, it faces several challenges, including maintaining a balance in relations with various partners and addressing the security challenges posed by regional tensions.