Latest news with #2ndAsean-GulfCooperationCouncil
The Star
3 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Asean Sec-Gen hails 'twin successes' of 46th Summit with Vision 2045, Timor-Leste admission
Asean Secretary-General Dr Kao Kim Hourn speaks during an interview with media practitioners held in conjunction with the 46th ASEAN Summit at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre on May 25, 2025. - Photo: Bernama JAKARTA: (Bernama) Asean Secretary-General Dr Kao Kim Hourn on Wednesday (May 28) hailed the 46th Asean Summit in Kuala Lumpur as a success, citing the adoption of the Asean Community Vision 2045 and progress toward Timor-Leste's full membership as landmark outcomes. Held under Malaysia's 2025 Asean Chairmanship themed "Inclusivity and Sustainability', the two-day summit embodied the spirit of Asean's collective aspirations, he said. Kao highlighted the "twin successes' of the summit - the launch of the Asean Community Vision 2045 with four strategic plans, and the consensus to admit Timor-Leste as Asean's 11th full member, with formal induction expected at the October summit. "Leaders reached consensus on Timor-Leste's full membership during the summit's retreat session,' he said, noting that a dedicated Timor-Leste unit has been established within the Asean Secretariat to support the accession process. He made the remarks during a briefing on the summit's outcomes-including the 2nd Asean-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit and the Asean-GCC-China Summit-attended by the diplomatic corps and media at the Asean Headquarters. Reflecting on the overall outcome, Kao said the summit was successful in terms of participation, substance, and organisation, achieving its intended goals, with a total of 22 outcome documents adopted during the summits. On internal challenges, Kao said Asean leaders engaged in "frank and candid' discussions, particularly regarding the crisis in Myanmar and regional economic pressures. "External meetings with China and the GCC also emphasised trust-building both within the region and with external partners,' he stressed. On Myanmar, he said leaders reaffirmed the validity of the five-point consensus and noted growing support for appointing a long-term special envoy to step up diplomatic efforts amid ongoing violence and humanitarian concerns. On impact of US tariffs, Kao said Asean countries face serious economic disruption but have agreed not to retaliate, instead opting for cooperative negotiations with Washington. He added that the bloc plans to upgrade its free trade agreements with South Korea, explore a potential region-to-region free trade agreement with the GCC. At the Asean-GCC meeting, Kao both sides agreed to deepen co-operation in areas such as trade, investment, tourism, air connectivity, people-to-people exchange, and energy transition as well as discuss the Palestine and Gaza issues. The inaugural Asean-GCC-China Summit was also held, where leaders underscored the importance of a rules-based multilateral trading system and explored synergies in trade, energy, and technology. When asked about the possibility of Papua New Guinea (PNG) joining Asean following Indonesia's expressed support, Kao stated that although the matter was brought up, there has been no formal discussion among Asean member states to date. "That is something that our officials would need to look into,' he said, adding that consensus among all current members would be necessary for PNG to join. - Bernama
Daily Express
3 days ago
- Business
- Daily Express
Malaysia and UAE pledge to strengthen bilateral ties at Asean-GCC Summit
Published on: Wednesday, May 28, 2025 Published on: Wed, May 28, 2025 By: Bernama Text Size: Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan holds a bilateral meeting with United Arab Emirates Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre today. — Bernama pic Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) reiterated their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties during a meeting today. Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan and the UAE's Supreme Council member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, met on the sidelines of the 2nd Asean-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. Meanwhile, the Government of Ras Al Khaimah, in a statement to Bernama, said the meeting discussed the long-standing friendship and cooperation between the UAE and Malaysia, and explored opportunities to expand collaboration across various sectors. 'Both leaders praised the strong coordination and partnership between the UAE and Malaysia on the international stage and emphasised the importance of continued dialogue and engagement to advance shared development goals and mutual interests,' it said. It added that Sheikh Saud also commended Malaysia's outstanding organisation of the summits and praised the country's role in promoting closer cooperation and integration between GCC and Asean nations. Malaysia and the UAE have enjoyed robust bilateral relations since the early 1970s, marked by significant collaborations in diplomacy, trade and investment. Advertisement The Asean-GCC Summit, hosted by Malaysia as the Asean Chair, was aimed at bolstering economic resilience by enhancing inter-regional cooperation and forming a united front against challenges posed by global economic uncertainties. The 46th Asean Summit, held under Malaysia's 2025 Chairmanship theme, 'Inclusivity and Sustainability', marks the country's fifth term as Asean Chair, following previous chairmanships in 1977, 1997, 2005 and 2015. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
New Straits Times
4 days ago
- Health
- New Straits Times
Sultan of Brunei in good health, resting several days at IJN
KUALA LUMPUR: The Sultan of Brunei, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, is in good health, the Prime Minister's Office of Brunei Darussalam said in a statement today. "His Majesty is in Malaysia to attend the 46th Asean Summit and Related Meetings. "His Majesty has been feeling tired and therefore, at the advice of the host country's medical experts, to rest at the National Heart Institute (IJN), Kuala Lumpur for several days," the statement said. Earlier today, it was reported that the Sultan of Brunei is currently resting at the IJN. The matter was confirmed by Asean Chairman and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. "He's feeling a bit tired and is resting at IJN," Anwar had said. Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah is currently in Malaysia along with other Asean leaders to attend the Summit, the 2nd Asean-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit, and the inaugural Asean-GCC-China Summit.
New Straits Times
4 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Malaysian, Omani deputy prime ministers meet to boost bilateral ties
KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof had a bilateral meeting with Oman's Deputy Prime Minister for International Relations and Cooperation Affairs and Special Representative Sayyid Asaad Tariq Al Said on the sidelines of the 2nd Asean-Gulf Cooperation Council (Asean-GCC) Summit at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre today. The closed-door session saw both deputy prime ministers discussing ways to strengthen bilateral relations between Malaysia and Oman, as well as sharing views on several current geopolitical issues of mutual concern. The high-level summit, hosted by Malaysia in its capacity as Asean Chair, brought together top leaders from both regional blocs to deepen strategic cooperation across political, economic and security spheres. The Asean-GCC Summit serves as a platform to promote interregional dialogue and collaboration amid rising global uncertainties and shifting geopolitical dynamics. The 46th Asean Summit, was held under Malaysia's 2025 Chairmanship theme, "Inclusivity and Sustainability".
The Star
4 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Prabowo commends Malaysia's hosting of 46th Asean Summit
KUALA LUMPUR: Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has described the organisation of the 46th Asean Summit as highly commendable and successful. "Excellent. Very good, very good,' he told the media after attending the 2nd Asean-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre here on Tuesday (May 27). This marks Prabowo's first appearance as head of state at the regional gathering since assuming office as Indonesia's president in October last year. The 46th Asean Summit and related meetings, which began on Monday, bring together South-East Asian leaders for high-level discussions centred on regional cooperation, economic integration, and geopolitical stability. Malaysia, as Asean Chair for 2025, is also concurrently hosting the second Asean-GCC Summit and the inaugural Asean-GCC-China Summit, aimed at strengthening inter-regional collaboration.- Bernama
