Oman participates in GCC-ASEAN ministerial meeting in Malaysia

Times of Oman

25-05-2025

Kuala Lumpur: The Sultanate of Oman today took part in a GCC-ASEAN ministerial meeting, held in Kuala Lumpur in preparation for the GCC-ASEAN Summit.
Oman's delegation to the meeting was led by Sheikh Khalifa Ali Al Harthy, Undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry for Political Affairs.
Al Harthy delivered a speech in which he said that that cooperation between the GCC and ASEAN countries proved to be effective over the past few years, notably within the context of current global challenges that require greater solidarity and joint action in the areas of food security, energy, the economy and supply chains.
Al Harthy affirmed the Sultanate of Oman's keenness to consolidate ties with its regional and international partners and build bridges of cooperation with ASEAN countries. He explained that Oman shares long-standing historical and maritime relationships with ASEAN countries. This, he observed, will contribute to better economic, cultural, and developmental integration.
He laid emphasis on the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC) that was signed by the Sultanate of Oman and ASEAN countries.
In his speech, Al Harthy highlighted the significance of of the Palestinian cause and the importance of concerted international efforts to halt the Israeli war of genocide on the Gaza Strip, open border crossings for the supply of humanitarian aid and to firmly oppose the displacement of Palestinians from the Strip.
He also underlined the importance of achieving a just and comprehensive peace that leads to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders, with Al Quds A'Sharqiyah (East Jerusalem) as its capital.
The meeting reviewed preparations for the upcoming GCC-ASEAN-China summit scheduled to be held in Kuala Lumpur on 27 May 2025.
Today's meeting was held within the framework of effots to boost relations between the two regions to serve security, stability, and development, in addition to supporting inter-regional trade and joint investment, building partnerships in the energy and food sectors and enhancing cultural and educational communication between peoples.