ASEAN, GCC and China pledge stronger economic, security, humanitarian cooperation
They said this in a joint statement after the conclusion of the inaugural ASEAN-GCC-China Summit in Kuala Lumpur (KL).
The summit highlighted shared civilisational ties and reaffirmed support for multilateralism, international law and ASEAN centrality in regional architecture.
A unified stance was taken on the Israel-Palestine conflict, with leaders condemning attacks on civilians, calling for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and backing a two-state solution based on pre-1967 borders.
The group supported humanitarian efforts, including Qatar's mediation and China's role in Palestinian reconciliation.
The ASEAN-GCC-China leaders also pledged to enhance trade and investment, conclude free trade agreements (FTAs) and bolster regional value chains.
'Priority will be given to reaffirming the central and indispensable role of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) at the core of the rules-based multilateral trading system, which provides a predictable, transparent, non-discriminatory and open global trading system,' the statement reads.
Among others, they supported digital transformation and development initiatives aligned with the United Nations (UN) 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
On connectivity, plans were unveiled to advance infrastructure and digital connectivity via the Belt and Road Initiative and maritime cooperation, while exploring a regional business council.
The summit also emphasised just energy transitions, renewable energy (RE) cooperation and climate action. Nations agreed to share knowledge on green tech, explore clean fuels and build cross-border energy infrastructure.
On digital transformation, the leaders proposed a framework to boost digital economy sectors such as artificial intelligence (AI), financial technology (fintech) and smart cities, alongside education and skills training for inclusive growth.
Additionally, commitments were made to enhance food security, promote sustainable agriculture and explore cooperation on halal food systems and agri-tech.
The ASEAN-GCC-China summit also stressed cultural exchange, educational cooperation and tourism, including support for the UN's International Day for Dialogue among Civilisations.
The joint statement called for concrete implementation through existing ASEAN-GCC-China frameworks, welcomed the upcoming Asia Cooperation Dialogue Summit in Doha, Qatar, and recognised regional initiatives across trade, food security and climate resilience.
The ASEAN-GCC-China was held in conjunction with the 46th ASEAN Summit in KL, which took place on May 26 and 27, at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) following Malaysia's chairmanship this year. This year marks Malaysia's fifth chairmanship. — TMR
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