Asean-GCC-China engagement a 'meeting of minds' for shared progress
KUALA LUMPUR: The inaugural trilateral engagement between Asean, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and China has been described as a "meeting of minds," united by shared values of development, multilateralism, and trust.
In his welcoming remarks at the gala dinner of the 46th Asean Summit and related summits, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim described the gathering as a unique and timely platform that brought together some of the world's most dynamic regions, each undergoing rapid transformation.
He also highlighted GCC's remarkable transformation, describing it as one of the world's most peaceful and fastest-growing economies, while reaffirming Asean's stance that China remains the bloc's valued friend.
"It is a pleasure to have organised this unique meeting and conference.
"This is a meeting of minds, of people who want to develop their countries, who believe in independence and the right kind of multilateral arrangements.
"What is this (Asean-GCC-China) meeting? It is a multilateral platform to enhance trade and increase investments," he said.
Anwar, at the same time, expressed his appreciation for the presence of Kuwait's Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and Chinese Premier Li Qiang, noting that their participation reflects the deep-rooted friendship and mutual trust shared among the region's partners.
"This is not just a meeting of countries, but a gathering marked by the support, affection and trust among Asean leaders that is truly unrivalled and unique.
"To the GCC, you are our partner. Please be assured that this partnership must be built on trust, and we are here to participate and contribute.
"To Premier Li, please be assured that despite whatever may be said and whatever complexities may arise, we are here as a friend of China," he added.
The 46th Asean Summit is being held under Malaysia's 2025 Chairmanship theme, 'Inclusivity and Sustainability'.
This marks Malaysia's fifth term as Asean Chair, following previous chairmanships in 1977, 1997, 2005, and 2015.
In conjunction with the summit, two pivotal high-level engagements, the Second Asean-GCC Summit and the inaugural Asean-GCC-China Summit will be held tomorrow, serving as strategic platforms to advance regional and inter-regional cooperation.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
an hour ago
- The Star
Asean News Headlines at 10pm on Saturday (June 14, 2025)
Malaysia: * PM Anwar arrives to officiate Hawana 2025 celebration * Anwar vows to stay firm on tackling corruption * Vigilance against provocateurs, foreign agents crucial for Malaysia, says Anwar * Gerik bus crash: Not just driver, bus company should also be held responsible, says Azalina * Gerik bus crash: Puspakom confirms brakes were working * Gerik bus crash: Seven victims still undergoing treatment in hospital, says cops * Fahmi announces founding board members of Malaysian Media Council * Govt to allocate RM30mil for media digital transformation, says Anwar * Nearly 400,000 teachers to be trained with AI-powered tools, says Sim * Man gets 21 years' jail, 12 rotan strokes for raping stepdaughter in Sabah * Ringgit expected to trade sideways ahead of key Fed meeting * Sabah ranks third in approved investments nationwide * One dead, two injured in shooting at Brickfields restaurant * Strict action must be taken against errant heavy vehicle drivers, says Lee Lam Thye * One-year levy exemption for all educational institutions starting Jan 2026, says PM * 'I hope all my children will be obedient and become useful individuals,' says Melaka mother in FB post before fatal stabbings Singapore's Lee Kiera and Soh Debbie compete in the women duet free event during the World Aquatics Artistic Swimming World Cup 2025 Super Final in Xi'an, in China's Shannxi province on Saturday, June 14, 2025. -- Photo by WANG Zhao / AFP Singapore: * Singapore's Covid-19 wave eases as weekly cases and hospitalisation numbers dip * Ex-employee of Singapore's National Dental Centre charged with taking photos of 25 patients' breasts * Accident claims life of Singaporean cyclist in Kulai * Singapore's Loyang Valley condo makes third bid at collective sale with lower reserve price of S$880 million * Male foreigner arrested in Singapore for suspected drug trafficking offences, more than S$110,000 worth of drugs seized * Travellers to Johor can expect three-hour jam due to heavy traffic at Woodlands Checkpoint: Singapore Immigration and Checkpoints Authority * Meta to work with Singapore banks in sharing intelligence to combat scams * Oil settles up 7% as Israel, Iran trade air strikes Indonesia: * Indonesia aims to seal EU free trade agreement in 2026, official says * Indonesian province dangles cash for men to get vasectomy, in bid to slow population growth * Two Australians shot in Indonesia's Bali island, one dead * Indonesia's President Prabowo receives call from Trump ahead of Russia visit * Tension grows between North Sumatra, Aceh over disputed border * China adds Indonesia to 240-hour visa-free transit programme, expands list to 55 countries * Indonesia Govt seeks foreign investors for seawall project Local police officers conduct forensic examinations at the scene after two Australian nationals were shot in Munggu village, on Indonesia resort island of Bali on Saturday, June 14, 2025. One victim, Zivan Radmanovic, 32, was confirmed dead at the scene, while the other, Sanar Ghanim, 35, sustained a gunshot wound and was taken to hospital, according to the local police. -- Photo by Dicky Bisinglasi / AFP Thailand: * Common Thai-English mistakes you've probably heard but it's all so fun for the Thais * Thailand says 'progress made' in Cambodia border dispute talks in Phnom Penh * Thailand tops global agricultural exports with durian and coconut * Thailand and Cambodia seek to ease simmering border tensions * Thai Transport Ministry to register Grab taxis under new digital platform law within 90 days * Thai DPM Phumtham says Thai-Cambodian leaders have resolved tensions, urges calm ahead of Joint Boundary Commission talks * Court calls witnesses in Thaksin hospital probe Philippines: * Agreement in place as nations advance ocean protection, vow to defend seabed * Taiwan extends visa-free entry for Filipinos until 2026 * Philippines buys 12 FA-50 light combat aircraft from S. Korea; purchase part of ambitious defence modernisation programme * VP Sara Duterte back in Philippines after Malaysia trip * Philippines acquires 12 FA-50 combat jets from South Korea * Nato chief says it must build Indo-Pacific ties to meet China's military challenge A parent covers a desk with a plastic as she helps with the cleaning of a classroom at an elementary school in Manila ahead of the opening of classes on Monday, June 16, 2025. -- Photo by Jam STA ROSA / AFP Vietnam: * Four South-East Asian hotels - three in Indonesia and one in Vietnam - among world's best family-friendly, says Tripadvisor * Not so sweet move - Vietnam approves sugary drinks tax under amended consumption law * No Vietnamese carriers fly through Israeli, Iranian airspace * Green transition barriers must be removed in Vietnam to move forward * Vietnam admitted as Brics 'partner country,' Brazil says Myanmar: * Rare snake species discovered in Myanmar for first time * More than 600 evacuated as Myanmar military fights anti-coup forces * Over 1,500 tons of rice handed over to Myanmar earthquake victims under APTERR programme A general view of the 6th meeting of the Cambodia-Thailand Joint Boundary Commission (JBC), in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on Saturday, June 14, 2025. -- Photo: Agence Kampuchea Press via Reuters Cambodia: * Cambodia and Thailand start talks in Phnom Penh over border issues after recent skirmish * Thai Joint Boundary Commission chief arrives in Phnom Penh for Saturday (June 14) border commission talks * Cambodian PM Hun Manet reiterates: Border restrictions, disputed areas off table for Joint Boundary Commission talks * Former Thai private hospital chief says Cambodian patient numbers remain steady * 'Safeguard rights of migrant kids' - Unicef tells Cambodia Laos: * Laos capital Vientiane launches sustainable tourism initiative with innovative technology for growth * Bringing light to the Lao people at Borikhamxay provincial hospital in Laos * Laos pushes to increase exports, earning US$977mil in five months of 2025 Brunei: * Brunei's anti-drug efforts shared at regional parliamentary meeting * Nine Bruneians conquer seven mountains in Central Java in seven days * Russia reaffirms commitment to strengthen ties with Brunei and Asean, says ambassador to Brunei A person wearing a rainbow coloured Korean traditional clothing poses for a photogragh as South Korea's LGBTQ community and supporters attend a Pride parade, during the Seoul Queer Culture Festival, in Seoul, South Korea, on Saturday, June 14, 2025. Photo: REUTERS/Kim Soo-hyeon AseanPlus: * Malaysia issues travel advisory for Iran, Iraq and Jordan amid Iran-Israel tensions * Arise Sir David! Football legend Beckham knighted * Malaysia's music icon Hael Husaini celebrates stupendous year with his first-ever solo concert at Zepp KL on Aug 8 * M'sia urges global pressure to halt Israeli strikes on Iran * Malaysia's first Historical Tree Trail to be opened in Sandakan * Maher Zain to perform in Malaysia as part of South-East Asia tour * Iran: Two more generals killed in Israeli attacks; one of two airports targeted * Iran fires back at Israel after onslaught targets nuclear facilities * Several Middle East countries reopen airspace to civilian traffic * Israel warns 'Tehran will burn' as Iran fires drones and missiles in response to Israeli strikes * Israel, Iran launch more barrages as Israel aims to wipe out Tehran's nuclear programme * Trump says Iran has 'second chance' to come to nuclear deal as Israel and Iran exchange blows * Air India crash death toll hits 270, families wait for bodies / * Death toll in Air India plane crash rises to 274: media * With tragic plane crash, Air India's revamp to take longer * Death toll in Indian plane crash climbs to 270 as search teams find more bodies * 'Insta-gran' who rocked social media dies aged 97 * Canada's Sikhs voice outrage over Modi G7 invitation * Trump seems to reverse course on Chinese students in US, saying he supports them * North Korea's Kim Jong Un calls for more shell production, KCNA says * FACTBOX-What is known about the Air India crash and its investigation * Dead bodies, mangled luggage, debris haunt rescuers at Air India crash site in Ahmedabad * Air India black box recovered after crash that killed 241 onboard and several others on the ground * Chinese man dons placard declaring he owns two buildings to attract partner * China warns of fallout from Israel's strikes on Iran, eyes role in easing crisis * Chinese astronomers recorded details of dying star's explosion in 1408: study * It was more than J-Hope's concert — BTS reunites on debut anniversary * Trump approves Nippon Steel's $14.9 billion purchase of US Steel * Hong Kong police chief vows vigilance against lingering national security threats * Ishiba, Trump to meet in Canada; decision reflects persistent gaps in tariff negotiations * US immigration officials told to largely pause raids on farms, hotels, NYT reports * China's top baijiu maker faces sobering reality as austerity trims profits * Thousands Seoul's LGBT community gathers for annual festival after liberal president elected * Tennis - Zheng beats Raducanu at Queen's after change of shoes, Rybakina upset by Maria * Hockey - Veterans urge young guns to step up in Nations Cup opener against Pakistan * Motor racing - Ferrari F1 boss slams disrespectful and damaging rumours / Leclerc crashes, Russell top in Canadian GP practice * Cricket - South Africa look to discard chokers tag as WTC glory beckons / South Africa beat Australia by five wickets to win World Test Championship
Barnama
2 hours ago
- Barnama
Gov't To Expedite Funding Approval For Sepak Takraw Academy
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim delivering his speech at the National-level 2025 National Youth Day Celebration at Dataran Merdeka. --FotoBERNAMA (2025) COPY RIGHT RESERVED KUALA LUMPUR, June 14 (Bernama) -- The government will expedite the approval of funding for the setting up of the Malaysian Sepak Takraw Academy so that it can be realised by the end of this year, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He said the government would ensure that the proposal to set up the academy becomes a reality. 'Of course, football is very strong in Malaysia whereby we recently defeated (regional powerhouse) Vietnam, but sepak takraw has achieved impressive results at regional and global levels, and has captured the interest of people both in cities and rural areas. bootstrap slideshow 'Hannah Yeoh (Minister of Youth and Sports) whispered a request and emphasised to me to support the (national) team and the setting up of the Malaysian Sepak Takraw Academy. I agree with the suggestion, we will expedite it,' he said when officiating the National Youth Day 2025 celebration at Dataran Merdeka here today. Also present were Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul, Hannah, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa, and Malaysian Youth Council (MBM) president Mohd Izzat Afifi Abdul Hamid. Commenting on the setting up of the Malaysian Sepak Takraw Academy, Anwar said Hannah had requested an allocation of RM6 million for the purpose. 'We can approve that request because we spend prudently, uphold good governance and do not engage in corruption or misuse public funds,' he said. In his speech, the Prime Minister also announced an increase in allocation for MBM from RM3 million to RM4 million. He also urged the youth to be voices that contribute to building Malaysia into a great nation, and not to fall prey to the incitement of politicians who play up racial issues.
New Straits Times
3 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Govt to fast-track first national sepak takraw academy
KUALA LUMPUR: The government has agreed to expedite the establishment of Malaysia's first national sepak takraw academy, with completion targeted by the end of this year. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the decision reflects the government's commitment to strengthening traditional sports and nurturing homegrown talent to compete at the highest levels. "We will make the sepak takraw academy a reality in this country. "I believe sepak takraw, like football, is a sport that makes us proud, not just nationally but also regionally and globally. "The academy can be completed before the end of this year because the Madani government is a government that works hard," he said in his speech at the launch of National Youth Day here today. Also present were Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh, Deputy Minister Adam Adli Abdul Halim, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa, and Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul. Anwar said Yeoh had requested an allocation of RM6 million for the project, which would serve as a platform to develop young athletes and elevate the sport to greater heights. He also acknowledged the growing interest among Malaysian youth in both traditional and modern recreational activities, saying these pursuits should be supported as long as they remain within cultural values and norms. "This is part of our cultural heritage — from cities to kampungs (villages), from youth who dance for leisure to those who play futsal and football. "As long as it stays within the boundaries of proper conduct, we support it," he said. He said the unity government would continue prioritising youth empowerment through sports, the arts, and positive community engagement, in line with the Madani vision. Anwar also announced that the government has agreed to allocate RM4 million to the Malaysian Youth Council (MBM) to strengthen youth development. He said the decision followed a request by the council's president, Mohd Izzat Afifi Abdul Hamid. "This is an increase of RM1 million from last year's allocation, which saw an additional RM3 million channelled to the Youth and Sports Ministry.
