Asean-GCC Summit wraps up on a high note: Leaders eye stronger ties
KUALA LUMPUR: The atmosphere was cheerful following the conclusion of the Asean-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit today.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, when approached after the meeting, described it as a highly positive gathering.
"Good, good, very good," he said enthusiastically to members of the media.
Meanwhile, Thailand's Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat said all 16 participating nations were looking forward to deeper cooperation, increased trade, and sustained peace and stability across both regions.
"Together, the GCC and Asean form a significant collaboration between countries, peoples, and economies. We look forward to closer cooperation between all member states," he said.
Also in attendance was Timor-Leste's Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, who appeared in high spirits, cheerfully handing out chocolates to members of the press waiting outside the summit venue.
Leaders of Asean and the GCC convened today for their second summit at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.
Earlier, Asean Chairman and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said that Asean-GCC ties would be pivotal in strengthening inter-regional cooperation, fostering resilience, and ensuring sustainable prosperity for their peoples.
He said both Asean and the GCC possessed the capacity and shared responsibility to become pillars of stability and engines of future growth.
Separately, Kuwait's Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah said trade volume between the GCC and Asean is expected to grow by an average of 30 per cent, reaching US$180 billion (RM846 billion) by 2026.
Sheikh Sabah Khaled is also President of the Supreme Council of the GCC.
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