![[UPDATED] Asean commits to deepen economic ties with GCC, external partners](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.nst.com.my%2Fimages%2Farticles%2FHQ270525HR025_1748354594.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
[UPDATED] Asean commits to deepen economic ties with GCC, external partners
In a joint statement following the 46th Asean Summit, Asean leaders said this includes region-to-region linkages such as those with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
"Asean is also committed to intensifying its economic engagements by deepening cooperation with external partners and expanding engagement with new and emerging partners, including region-to-region linkages such as with the GCC.
"Together, these efforts will reinforce Asean's resilience, expand and enhance economic opportunities, and secure its position as a dynamic and forward-looking hub of global trade and investment," they said.
Amid global challenges, the regional bloc said Asean remains committed to being a reliable economic partner to all, and will continue to advance regional economic integration by strengthening and expanding existing economic partnerships, as well as seeking new opportunities for economic cooperation.
These efforts will be anchored in mutual respect, shared values, and a common goal of peace and prosperity.
"We stand ready to work constructively with all partners to advance and support a resilient, inclusive, and rules-based multilateral trading system for the benefit of our peoples and economies."
It also reaffirmed strengthening Asean's resilience by further deepening internal trade and investment.
This includes accelerating priority initiatives, including the Asean Digital Economy Framework Agreement and the upgrade of the Asean Trade in Goods Agreement.
"We are confident that these efforts will reinforce regional integration, boost business certainty and competitiveness, and ensure Asean remains cohesive, agile and responsive to emerging challenges."
The regional bloc added that it would also leverage, modernise, and upgrade Asean Plus One Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (RCEP) in mitigating the risk of global trade uncertainties and supply chain disruptions.
This would be done while ensuring they remain modern, comprehensive, and inclusive, whilst, in parallel, strengthening and boosting intra-Asean trade and investment, and responsive to 21st-century economic realities.
They would also enhance Asean's internal coordination, making full use of existing cross-sectoral mechanisms and the newly established Asean Geoeconomic Task Force.
"To this end, we task relevant ministers to monitor the current global economic challenges and to coordinate as appropriate for a strategic and coherent Asean response," they said.
They added that the Asean Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) is a vital instrument and primary framework that guides Asean's engagement of all its partners, anchored in the principles of Asean-centred, openness, inclusivity, transparency, resilience, and rules-based order regional architecture that upholds international law.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
2 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Beyond disputes: Turning Ambalat and Pedra Branca into platforms for maritime cooperation
THE maritime disputes over Ambalat and Batu Puteh are complex. Ambalat, located in the resource-rich Sulawesi Sea, is claimed by Malaysia and Indonesia since the early 2000s. The area is believed to contain significant hydrocarbon reserves, and both countries have issued oil exploration licences that have led to diplomatic protests and naval stand-offs. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim recently emphasised the role of Sabah — which is the Malaysian state closest to the area — in ensuring that any joint development has equitable outcomes for border communities. Meanwhile, the dispute over Batu Puteh was partially resolved in 2008 when the International Court of Justice (ICJ) awarded sovereignty over it to Singapore. In the same judgment, the ICJ ruled that Middle Rocks belonged to Malaysia, while sovereignty over South Ledge would rest with the state in whose territorial waters it is located. As the ICJ did not delimit maritime boundaries, South Ledge's status is unresolved. In recent years, bilateral efforts have intensified to resolve outstanding maritime issues. At the 11th Malaysia-Singapore Leaders' Retreat in January, both governments agreed to begin technical work to delimit maritime boundaries in the Johor Strait, using the 1927 Territorial Waters Agreement as a legal basis. Singapore's continued engagement through the Joint Technical Committee reflects its commitment to resolve maritime issues through dialogue and legal frameworks. These disputes reflect deeper questions of sovereignty, historical memory and control over vital sea lanes. But they also present an opportunity to transform contested maritime zones into shared spaces of cooperation. Malaysia and Indonesia should consider establishing a joint development authority (JDA) to manage resources and reduce tensions over Ambalat. Similarly, Malaysia and Singapore could explore cooperative arrangements around Middle Rocks and South Ledge, focusing on maritime safety, environmental stewardship and scientific research. Such frameworks — already proven in the Malaysia-Thailand JDA in the Gulf of Thailand — would allow all parties to benefit economically while preserving their legal positions. Importantly, joint development does not require any party to relinquish its claims. Under Article 83 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea , states are encouraged to reach provisional arrangements pending final delimitation. Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore have played pivotal roles in Asean's evolution and have consistently advocated for peaceful dispute resolution and regional stability. Their cooperation on Ambalat and Batu Puteh could serve as a model for other maritime disputes in Southeast Asia, including in the South China Sea. A coordinated initiative involving Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore — each addressing their respective maritime disputes — could serve as a model for broader governance reforms within Asean, strengthening its commitment to pragmatic diplomacy and peaceful resolution. Public discourse in all three countries must focus on collaboration. Parliamentarians, diplomats and civil society leaders should advocate for open dialogue, confidence-building measures and creative legal solutions. The media should frame these disputes as opportunities for partnership. Ambalat and Batu Puteh should be reimagined as foundations for a shared maritime future — where sovereignty concerns are balanced with economic pragmatism and regional solidarity. The establishment of JDAs would not only unlock resource potential but also signal that Southeast Asia is capable of resolving disputes through diplomacy and innovation. During the recent Malaysia-Indonesia Annual Consultation, President Prabowo Subianto reaffirmed Indonesia's commitment to resolving the Ambalat dispute through peaceful means. Both leaders agreed to explore joint development initiatives as they recognise that legal processes may take years. This bilateral momentum reflects a pragmatic approach to diplomacy. On the Batu Puteh front, Singapore has likewise shown its willingness to cooperate. These parallel bilateral engagements — Malaysia with Indonesia over Ambalat, and Malaysia with Singapore over Batu Puteh — signal a commitment to regional stability, peaceful dispute resolution and collaborative maritime governance.
The Sun
4 hours ago
- The Sun
Indigenous voices key to Malaysia's unity agenda, says deputy minister
KUALA LUMPUR: The voices of indigenous communities will remain central to Malaysia's national unity agenda, ensuring social justice and cultural recognition. Deputy National Unity Minister Saraswathy Kandasami emphasised the Orang Asli and indigenous groups as vital to the nation's demographic and cultural identity. 'Efforts to recognise, protect and empower these communities must be continuous and inclusive,' she said at the Citra Nusa@Muzium Programme: ASEAN Natives and Indigenous Festival 2025. The event, held at the National Museum, celebrates Malaysia's ASEAN Chair role and International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples. It showcases cultural heritage from Malaysia's Orang Asli and ASEAN ethnic groups like Indonesia's Mentawai and Thailand's Karen. Saraswathy described the festival as a platform to highlight Malaysia's diverse heritage and boost public appreciation of its cultural wealth. JMM director-general Datuk Kamarul Baharin A. Kasim stressed that indigenous communities are not marginalised but key contributors to national progress. 'We aim to show their success in leadership, entrepreneurship and even social influence,' he said, citing Orang Asli influencer Nur Rafidah Man. The festival's theme, 'Dahulu & Kini', features traditional dances like Sabah's Sumazau and Sarawak's Ngajat. Visitors can explore craft demonstrations, traditional food preparation, and indigenous handicraft sales. Interactive activities include blowpipe competitions, kerchang games, and children's contests. The two-day event underscores Malaysia's commitment to preserving and promoting indigenous heritage. - Bernama
The Star
7 hours ago
- The Star
Asean reaffirms neutrality, sustainability, and unity amid global uncertainty
JAKARTA (Bernama-Xinhua): Member states of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (Asean) are striving to uphold neutrality, promote diplomacy, and accelerate sustainability efforts amid intensifying global tensions and environmental challenges, Asean Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn said on Friday. Speaking at the 58th Asean Day Celebration, held under the theme "Toward an Inclusive and Sustainable Asean Future" at the Asean Secretariat Office in Jakarta, Kao emphasised that Asean's principled neutrality and commitment to dialogue can serve as a stabilising force in a volatile world. "In uncertain times, we must remain a steady and stabilising force, offering space for honest dialogue, practical cooperation, and principled neutrality, where differences can be bridged and solutions be found," he said. "Even amid tensions close to home, we are guided by the belief that diplomacy and dialogue pave the way to a lasting peace," Kao noted. He said that beyond geopolitics, the region faces urgent environmental challenges. Climate change, natural disasters, and resource scarcity are already profoundly affecting Asean countries. In response, Asean is advancing several major initiatives, including long-standing cooperation on transboundary haze, the establishment of the Asean Centre for Climate Change in Brunei Darussalam, efforts to build a regional power grid known as the Asean Power Grid, and accelerating a renewable energy transition. "These reflect a growing resolve to confront the climate crisis together. Sustainability also encompasses economic resilience, diversifying supply chains, enhancing food and energy security, and building smart, green infrastructure that will support future generations," he said. "Asean cannot afford to treat sustainability as an abstract ideal or a future concern. It must be a concrete, urgent strategy embedded in everything we do," he added. Representing President Prabowo Subianto at the celebration, Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono reiterated Indonesia's commitment to strengthening Asean as a peaceful, resilient, innovative, and people-oriented region. He said that unity is key to Asean's strength amid current geopolitical rivalries, stressing that disputes must be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy. - Xinhua
