Kuwait plays a pivotal role in GCC-ASEAN-China summits
Events aim to deepen regional integration and bolster cooperation
KUALA LUMPUR: Kuwait's participation in the upcoming GCC-ASEAN and GCC-ASEAN-China summits in Kuala Lumpur reflects the country's steadfast commitment to fostering international partnerships and enhancing communication with regional blocs, Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya said on Saturday. Speaking to KUNA, Al-Yahya confirmed that preparations are underway for Kuwait's involvement in the high-level meetings, to be held from May 26 to 28, alongside a concurrent economic summit. He announced that His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, representing His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, will lead the Kuwaiti and GCC delegations as part of Kuwait's current presidency of the 45th GCC session.
Al-Yahya stated that Kuwait's participation underscores its strategic diplomatic approach aimed at deepening multilateral cooperation amid growing ties between the Gulf states, ASEAN countries, and China. He stressed that Kuwait views these engagements as vital platforms for dialogue, policy coordination, and the advancement of shared interests. Highlighting the scope of the 2024–2028 GCC-ASEAN cooperation framework, the minister pointed to four priority areas: political and economic dialogue, energy and food security, and collaboration in global forums.
He described the summits as a timely opportunity for participating leaders to exchange views on pressing regional and international developments and to align on common policy stances. The summit agendas are expected to cover a wide range of strategic issues, including food and energy security, digital transformation, innovation, logistical connectivity, education, and tourism.
These focus areas, Al-Yahya said, are central to achieving sustainable development, strengthening regional stability, and broadening economic integration. Recalling the inaugural GCC-ASEAN summit held in Riyadh last year, he said the upcoming gatherings build upon the cooperative foundations laid there and reflect Kuwait's proactive role in advancing developmental diplomacy and global engagement.
'These summits serve as important bridges of communication and coordination, promoting mutual understanding and reinforcing Kuwait's international partnerships,' he added. Al-Yahya expressed confidence that the summits would help shape a comprehensive roadmap for institutional cooperation between the GCC, ASEAN, and China. Such a framework would enable the implementation of joint initiatives and contribute to enhancing partnerships in key sectors of mutual interest.
He also noted that His Highness the Crown Prince would meet with heads of participating delegations on the sidelines of the events, aiming to bolster bilateral relations, explore cooperation opportunities, and discuss regional and global developments. In related remarks, GCC Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs and Negotiations Dr Abdulaziz Al-Owaisheq praised Kuwait's leadership in coordinating unified Gulf positions ahead of the two summits. Speaking to KUNA, Dr Al-Owaisheq noted that Kuwait, as the current GCC chair, plays a pivotal role in advancing Gulf-Asian cooperation in political, economic, and humanitarian spheres.
He emphasized that Kuwait has been instrumental in articulating Gulf and Arab priorities to Southeast Asian partners, including support for the Palestinian cause and efforts to resolve crises in Syria and Yemen. Dr Al-Owaisheq highlighted that the institutional framework for GCC-ASEAN cooperation was initiated in 2009 in Bahrain, leading to the establishment of working groups focused on trade, investment, education, food security, and cultural exchange.
With senior-level delegations from all six GCC states expected to attend, the summits will focus on operationalizing the GCC-ASEAN Joint Action Plan (2024–2028). Dr Al-Owaisheq described China as a key strategic partner for both blocs, noting that GCC-China trade exceeds $200 billion annually, while trade between the GCC and ASEAN stands at approximately $150 billion, collectively comprising about 40 percent of the Gulf's foreign trade. 'Together, the GCC, ASEAN, and China represent over a quarter of the global economy,' he stated, emphasizing the summits' role in strengthening trilateral cooperation across sectors such as trade, energy, education, security, and diplomacy.
He confirmed that preparatory meetings in Kuala Lumpur are already in progress, with the aim of generating concrete proposals and establishing a follow-up mechanism to ensure implementation of outcomes. On the trade front, Dr Al-Owaisheq revealed that negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) between the GCC and China are nearing conclusion, amid Beijing's interest in expanding economic ties. While formal FTA talks with ASEAN have yet to begin due to internal disagreements on tariffs, a feasibility study has been approved and discussions are ongoing with individual member states.
He pointed out that Singapore has already signed an FTA with the GCC, while negotiations are underway with Indonesia and are expected to commence soon with Malaysia. Dr Al-Owaisheq concluded by stressing the strategic importance of the Kuala Lumpur gatherings, which are expected to boost regional partnerships, advance economic cooperation, and respond effectively to shifting geopolitical dynamics and trends in global trade. — KUNA
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