ASEAN-GCC Partnership Bridges ASEAN-Middle East For Shared Growth
GENERAL
KUALA LUMPUR, May 25 (Bernama) -- The partnership between ASEAN and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) offers a valuable opportunity to strengthen ties between Southeast Asia and the Middle East in the shared pursuit of peace, prosperity and progress, said Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo.
In his opening remarks at the ASEAN-GCC Ministerial Meeting, Enrique underscored the strategic potential of both regional blocs, citing ASEAN's combined population of approximately 700 million and its significant contribution to the global economy through its collective gross domestic product (GDP).
He also expressed optimism about the ongoing dialogue, saying ASEAN looks forward to productive discussions and concrete outcomes from the meeting.
'We recall the historic convening of the inaugural ASEAN-GCC Summit in Riyadh in October 2023, during which our leaders adopted the joint statement that laid the foundation for the elevation and expansion of the ASEAN-GCC partnership.
'At the same summit, our leaders also welcomed the ASEAN-GCC Framework for Cooperation 2024-2028, which outlines concrete measures and joint activities to deepen collaboration and deliver real benefits to people,' he said.
Today's ASEAN-GCC Ministerial Meeting, chaired by the Philippines, is part of a series of engagements taking place alongside the 46th ASEAN Summit.
Nine foreign ministers from ASEAN member states (except Myanmar) and six GCC countries, namely Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), participated in the meeting.
Manalo also highlighted the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, to be adopted by regional leaders tomorrow, as a bold statement of shared ambition to build a more people-centred and forward-looking ASEAN over the next two decades.
'This region recorded 4.8 per cent growth in GDP and is projected to achieve 4.7 per cent this year. However, recent external developments, including the introduction of unilateral tariffs by the United States, have caused deep concerns.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
27 minutes ago
- New Straits Times
FAM must explain Hamidin honorary president move, says football critic
KUALA LUMPUR: The FA of Malaysia's (FAM) move to potentially name Tan Sri Hamidin Amin as honorary president is stirring debate, with critics questioning the need, timing and motive behind the decision. FAM will convene an extraordinary congress on June 30, confirmed via a circular dated June 12, following its third executive committee meeting for the 2025-2029 term. Although the agenda was not disclosed, Article 27(1) of the FAM Statutes requires each affiliate to send two delegates, with only one entitled to vote. However, insiders suggest that the appointment of an honorary president could be one of the motions on the table. According to FAM's 2020 Statutes, Article 19 permits the bestowal of honorary titles upon individuals who have rendered commendable service to Malaysian football — with the executive committee proposing the nomination, and Congress granting approval. Honorary presidents hold no voting rights, but can attend Congress and take part in debates. One vocal critic, Datuk Dr Pekan Ramli, questioned whether the move reflects a lack of confidence in the current FAM leadership under Datuk Joehari Ayub. "In most major sporting bodies, if someone resigns or is voted out, a motion may be introduced to honour their service — like the International Olympic Committee recently did for Thomas Bach, who stepped down after managing the Russia doping scandal and the Covid crisis," said Pekan. "But FAM is a bit different. If they want to name Hamidin honorary president, is it because the current leadership lacks strength? Or are there internal concerns that require him to stay involved?" Pekan pointed out that this would not be a first for FAM. When the late Sultan Ahmad Shah Al-Musta'in Billah Ibni Almarhum Sultan Abu Bakar passed the presidency to his son, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, he was made honorary president in recognition of nearly three decades of service, including raising Malaysia's profile in Asean and Asian football. "Has Hamidin contributed on the same level? How long has he served? I'm not sure. But I do know in other associations, outgoing leaders are sometimes retained in ceremonial roles because of their connections and value," Pekan added. He cited the example of Tan Sri Norza Zakaria, who stepped down as BAM president but retained influence due to his role in the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) and his corporate network, which helped in appointing a like-minded successor. "If the goal is to preserve influence, then fine, but in FAM's case, I'm uncertain. Is there worry that the current leadership lacks pull and needs Hamidin to maintain relationships with FIFA?" he asked. While honorary presidents have no executive authority, their symbolic role can influence perception, both domestically and internationally. Pekan warned that a lack of transparency could undermine the integrity of the move. "If Hamidin ends his term in 2025, then becomes honorary president — and still has FIFA connections — will he be pulling strings from behind the scenes? That could overshadow the current leadership," he said. "This must be handled transparently. Is it desperation, or a backroom deal? Let's not forget, there were numerous issues under Hamidin's watch. If people start asking why he's being honoured despite that, what will FAM say?" He stressed that the honorary role must remain purely ceremonial, without encroaching on day-to-day operations. "Honorary presidents don't run the office or issue instructions. They show up at big events, offer advice when asked, and symbolise continuity. "If FAM really intends to appoint one, then it must clearly explain the rationale and ensure it does not compromise the autonomy of the sitting president."
Barnama
28 minutes ago
- Barnama
NTW 2025 Draws Over Two Million Participants, Exceeds Target
KLANG, June 16 (Bernama) -- More than two million individuals have participated in skills development programmes under this year's National Training Week (NTW), surpassing its initial target of one million participants, said Human Resource Minister Steven Sim. He said 41 per cent of the participants were involved in training focused on Industry 4.0-related skills, highlighting a strong national push towards preparing the workforce for the digital and technological era. 'We want to use a platform like NTW to familiarise Malaysians when it comes to skills training. Go and take a course, any course. We want to make skills training a culture, a trend and to mainstream it so that everyone feels comfortable about doing courses. 'Don't look down on this one week of training. Studies have shown that in Malaysia, 35 per cent of employers are recognising short-term courses to evaluate the potential of their employees, and this is way higher than the global average of 14 per cent.' He said this at the launch of the NTW 2025 programme, 'Logistics Unboxed: Empowering Workforce Beyond Borders', here today. Sim also urged the private sector to take part in training their workers so that the nation's labour force is well equipped with the upcoming demands, thus securing Malaysia's interest and aspiration to strengthen its economy. 'I always say, dear friends in industry, help us help you train your workers. Investors are coming, but we don't have enough workers. We need 5,000 engineers, 10,000 technicians,' he said. The 'Logistics Unboxed' programme is set to benefit around 400 participants, including students and employers, through five days of hybrid learning. It combines online and in-person training sessions, delivered by representatives from the Human Resources Ministry, the Transport Ministry, the Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD Corp) and Infinity Logistics, providing valuable insights into emerging trends and essential skills for the evolving logistics landscape.
Barnama
29 minutes ago
- Barnama
Prabowo To Make State Visit To Russia For Talks With Putin
By Mohd Iswandi Kasan Anuar JAKARTA, June 16 (Bernama) -- Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto will be making a state visit to Russia this week for talks with President Vladimir Putin, aimed at elevating bilateral relations between the two countries. In a statement, Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya said Prabowo is scheduled to meet Putin in Moscow on June 19 and deliver a keynote speech the following day at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), one of Russia's key economic gatherings. bootstrap slideshow 'The state visit is highly strategic for strengthening the comprehensive partnership between Indonesia and Russia,' he said. He added that the visit at Putin's invitation comes amid heightened global tensions, and signals Indonesia's intent to play a more active role in global diplomacy. Prabowo is currently in Singapore for the annual Singapore-Indonesia Leaders' Retreat, where he is holding talks with Singaporean President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. Last week, Indonesia's foreign ministry spokesperson Rolliansyah Soemirat confirmed Prabowo would not attend the Group of Seven (G7) summit in Canada, citing a prior commitment to the Russia visit. He said Prabowo had personally informed Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney of his absence and conveyed Jakarta's support for the summit, calling for stronger G7 engagement with non-member states. -- BERNAMA .
