Latest news with #Asean-GCCSummit
The Star
3 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Efficiency, teamwork contributed to successful hosting of 46th Asean Summit, says Anwar
PUTRAJAYA: The outstanding efficiency, unwavering dedication, and seamless teamwork demonstrated by all parties involved were the main factors in Malaysia's success as the host of the 46th Asean Summit recently, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, said everything went smoothly as a result of the extraordinary commitment from the government machinery, including the people who understood Malaysia's needs in organising the summit. "I saw at all levels, our children, civil servants, all of them were great. From the airport, the parade, the police, Immigration, MAHB (Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd), the management at the hotels, the Foreign Ministry, which coordinated, to the Prime Minister's Department, which managed the protocol. "I am also clueless about protocol, but I respect what the officers instructed the prime minister to do. I did as told (protocol), why? Because we are a country that has rules and works as a team," he said in his address at the Prime Minister's Department monthly assembly here Thursday (May 29). It was also attended by both Deputy Prime Ministers, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof. The 46th Asean Summit concluded on May 27 after a series of high-level meetings aimed at strengthening regional cooperation and strategic partnerships. During the two-day summit, Asean leaders participated in several important meetings, including the 2nd Asean-GCC Summit, the first Asean-GCC-China Summit, and the 16th Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand (IMT-GT) Growth Triangle Summit. Anwar also touched on cooperation between Asean leaders in making collective decisions without compromising the interests of their respective countries. "… then we have to decide on an understanding in dealing with President Trump's (US President Donald Trump's) tariffs. Each country has its own strategy, which will involve bilateral relations. But we also want to protect the interests of the more than 650 million population of Asean countries. "… there is not a decision by Malaysia that is detrimental to another country, or by Vietnam (for example) that is detrimental to another country. We work as a team," he said. Malaysia, as the Asean chair 2025 with the theme "Inclusivity and Sustainability", hosted the 46th Asean Summit, marking the fifth time the country has held the chairmanship after 1977, 1997, 2005 and 2015. - Bernama
The Star
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Gusmao does something sweet for the media
Little treats: Gusmao (left) giving sweets to members of the media assembled at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. — AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star KUALA LUMPUR: Media personnel covering the Asean-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit here were treated to an unexpected moment of warmth from Timor-Leste Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao. Leaders from Asean and GCC member states were attending the summit and journalists were waiting for a chance of doorstop interviews when the meeting concluded. At the end of the two-hour meeting, the leaders proceeded for lunch. That's when Gusmao did something unexpected. With a broad smile, he approached the waiting media and offered them candies. 'Take it, you've waited so long,' he said. The thoughtful gesture sparked smiles and appreciative laughter from the weary media practitioners, many of whom had not anticipated such a personal moment amid formalities. The Asean-GCC Summit, held in conjunction with the 46th Asean Summit, was aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation and regional relations between Asean and Gulf countries.
The Star
4 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Gulf leaders agree to boost strategic partnership with Asean
KUALA LUMPUR: Leaders from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have agreed to strengthen their strategic partnership with Asean to confront global challenges and seize shared economic opportunities. Kuwait Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah said the GCC is also hoping to achieve US$180bil (RM763bil) in trade with Asean by 2032, and this can be done by having proactive economic policies. 'We aim to increase this figure to US$180bil by 2032, as there remains substantial untapped potential in bilateral trade and investment,' he said during the Asean-GCC Summit. Sheikh Sabah Khaled, who is the President of the current session of the GCC ministerial council, noted the encouraging rise in foreign investment into Asian markets as a sign of confidence and sustainable economic integration. 'We would like to underscore the importance of continued cooperation in the fields of economy, trade and investment. We look forward to the positive outcomes of free trade agreement negotiations between both sides, which will open up investment opportunities and support regional development,' he said. Sheikh Sabah Khaled also said the GCC and Asean represent the largest economy and population group in the world, with a combined gross domestic product (GDP) worth US$6 trillion (RM25.43 trillion) and a population of 740 million. 'This includes among the most important trading networks and sea routes in the world, which will have a direct effect on regional stability and global economic growth. We look forward to progress in free trade agreement negotiations, as well as strengthening cooperation in supply chains and investment,' he said. Sheikh Sabah Khaled said this year's summit played a crucial role in enhancing cooperation between the two regions. 'This session has inspired us to further strengthen bilateral cooperation and reflects the deep historical ties between both parties. 'It also demonstrates our shared commitment to building a strategic partnership founded on mutual interests, the principles of international law and sustainable development for our people,' he added. The first Asean-GCC Summit was held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in 2023, where leaders endorsed the Asean-GCC Framework of Cooperation (2024-2028), marking a historic milestone in inter-regional relations. The GCC – comprising six countries, namely Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates – was founded in 1981 to foster political and economic cooperation among Gulf countries.
Straits Times
4 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Amid global uncertainty, PM Wong stresses Asean-GCC-China cooperation
(From left) Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed al-Budaiwi, Myanmar's Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Aung Kyaw Moe, Qatar's Minister of Commerce and Industry Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al Thani, Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Oman's Deputy Prime Minister for Relations and International Affairs Sayyid Asa'ad bin Tariq Al Said, Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Philippines' President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr, Kuwait's Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, China's Premier Li Qiang, Brunei's Second Foreign Minister Erywan Yusof, Ruler of the UAE's Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet, Indonesia's Foreign Minister Sugiono, Laos' Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, East Timor's Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao, and Asean Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn pose for a family photo on May 27. PHOTO: REUTERS - Amid global geopolitical turbulence and uncertainty, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said Asean, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and China can forge deeper ties to unlock new pathways for shared prosperity. Speaking at two landmark summits in Kuala Lumpur on May 27 – the second Asean-GCC Summit and the inaugural Asean-GCC-China Summit, PM Wong underscored the potential for these regions to drive global growth and resilience by working more closely together. During the summit between Asean, which comprises 10 member countries, and the GCC, a key bloc of six Arab states, PM Wong said the global environment has become much more uncertain since the two groups last met in October 2023 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. 'And in this turbulent world, Asean and the GCC should strengthen our linkages,' he said at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, where both summits were held. PM Wong noted that Asean, with a population of over 670 million, is on track to become the world's fourth-largest economy by 2030, while the GCC is rapidly transforming into an important global player. 'So our two regions should really do more together,' he said. He pointed to the 2023 Framework of Cooperation between the two groups, saying its adoption had boosted Asean-GCC ties and that the latest summit offered an opportunity to forge even closer links. PM Wong outlined three key areas of cooperation for the two groups. On trade and investment, he said Singapore was the first non-Middle Eastern country to establish a free trade agreement (FTA) with the GCC, and discussions are under way to upgrade it. The Gulf Cooperation Council–Singapore FTA was signed in December 2008 and entered into force in September 2013. This agreement can be a pathfinder to a wider Asean-GCC FTA, and PM Wong said he believed other leaders would support this effort, which would lower tariffs, strengthen supply chains, promote food security and enhance investment flows between the regions. 'So I hope we can redouble our efforts to accelerate the study to examine the possibility of having this FTA and also facilitating closer links between our business communities.' PM Wong also called for exploring collaboration between the GCC and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), the world's largest trade pact that covers 30 per cent of the world's population and economic output. Combined, the RCEP and GCC represent about 35 per cent of global gross domestic product. PM Wong acknowledged that an FTA between the two could be very complex. 'But if we can establish a formal partnership between the two entities, this can facilitate more trade and investment flows, and help to uphold key principles of our rules-based trading system,' he said. Energy transition is another area of shared interest. PM Wong noted how Asean is developing a regional power grid, while the GCC is an energy powerhouse investing in greener energy. 'So we welcome the GCC's support for the Asean Power Grid – be it by investing in and financing new grid infrastructure, or sharing your knowledge on cross-border energy transmission,' he said. PM Wong also pointed to opportunities for cooperation as Asean's demand for clean energy grows. Third, PM Wong said Asean was concluding a Digital Economy Framework Agreement in 2025, which would provide the basis to engage external partners and consider establishing digital partnerships with the GCC. The agreement, introduced in 2023, has been described as a boost for the growth of digital trade and services in the region. Studies suggest it could double the projected value of Asean's digital economy from US$1 trillion (S$1.28 trillion) to US$2 trillion by 2030. PM Wong added that Asean welcomes further cooperation with the GCC on the enablers of the digital economy, including in cyber security, data governance and cross-border data flows. Beyond these economic and technological links, PM Wong said Asean and the GCC have always stood for 'an approach of engagement and dialogue to uphold peace and stability'. Turning to the ongoing conflicts in the world, he reiterated Singapore's position on the Middle East crisis. Where Palestine is concerned, PM Wong said Singapore joins others in calling for an immediate ceasefire and the return of the remaining hostages. 'We also call for all parties to comply with international law, including international humanitarian law, and we reiterate our longstanding support for a negotiated two-state solution, which is the only viable path to a comprehensive, just, and durable solution to the conflict.' Summit with China At the Asean-GCC-China Summit, PM Wong said Asean already has strong partnerships with both sides, with links to China growing even stronger since they were elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2021. 'We are moving forward from strong foundations and our three regions should do more together,' he said. He suggested some ways to advance this trilateral cooperation, including working on concrete projects under the Asean Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP). The document, introduced in 2019, sets out how countries in the region can engage in cooperative ways to ensure peace, stability and prosperity. PM Wong noted that many proposals discussed at the summit dovetail with the AOIP's priority areas, and provide a good basis to deepen collaboration. He also highlighted the need to strengthen trade and investment links, pointing out that Asean already has an FTA with China and looks forward to signing an upgrade to this. 'It is natural to extend these linkages towards a trilateral FTA between China, Asean and the GCC in due course,' he said. PM Wong added that the three sides should cooperate in new areas such as the digital economy, artificial intelligence and renewable energy, noting that the GCC and China are global leaders in some of these fields. He said Asean hopes to leverage the GCC and China's expertise to support the Asean Power Grid and the Asean Digital Economy Framework Agreement. 'This will help all our regions to harness the potential of technological advances, and to meet our shared goal of a sustainable future,' added PM Wong. PM Wong and other leaders also attended a royal luncheon hosted by Malaysia's King, Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar, at the Istana Negara. In a social media post, PM Wong said he was honoured to attend the event. He noted that His Majesty is a longstanding friend of Singapore, and it was a pleasure to see him again following their last meeting in January. PM Wong also thanked him for his support for the strong and enduring ties between the two countries. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Business Times
4 days ago
- Business
- Business Times
Asean, Gulf bloc, China can work closely on trade and investment, energy, digital economy: PM Wong
[KUALA LUMPUR] In a turbulent world, Asean, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and China can do more to promote trade and investment, as well as advance common interests in energy transition and the digital economy, Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said on Tuesday (May 27). The three partners can work on concrete projects under the Asean Outlook on the Indo-Pacific, he added. At the second Asean-GCC Summit in Kuala Lumpur, PM Wong said that Asean and the Gulf bloc should strengthen their ties, with the global environment now much more uncertain than at the inaugural summit two years ago. Wtih relations 'boosted' by the 2023 Framework of Cooperation, the two blocs can build on this to 'forge even closer links', he said, suggesting three areas of focus. One area is trade and investment, including a possible Asean-GCC free trade agreement (FTA). Singapore was the first non-Middle Eastern country to ink an FTA with the GCC, with upgrades now being discussed, noted PM Wong. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 8.30 am Asean Business Business insights centering on South-east Asia's fast-growing economies. Sign Up Sign Up This deal can serve as a pathfinder for a wider region-to-region FTA, he said: 'Such an FTA will lower tariffs, strengthen supply chains, promote food security and enhance investment flows between our regions.' He also suggested exploring collaboration between the GCC and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which would connect the Middle East and the Asia-Pacific. Combined, both groupings represent a 'significant' 35 per cent of the world's GDP, he noted. While an FTA between RCEP and GCC would be very complex, a formal partnership would facilitate trade and investment while helping to uphold key principles of the rules-based trading system, he added. In a separate summit with the GCC and China, PM Wong noted Asean's existing FTA with China – with a '3.0' upgrade due later this year – and added: 'It is natural to extend these linkages towards a trilateral FTA between China, Asean and the GCC in due course.' Asean and Gulf Cooperation Council leaders meet for their second summit PHOTO: CMG Second, the energy transition is another area of common interest. PM Wong welcomed the GCC's support for the Asean Power Grid, from investing in and financing grid infrastructure, to sharing knowledge on cross-border energy transmission. 'As Asean's demand for clean energy grows, there will also be opportunities for cooperation with the GCC on this front,' he added. Third, Asean could consider a digital partnership with the GCC, once it concludes its own Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) this year. The Asean agreement will provide a basis for the bloc to engage external partners in this domain, noted PM Wong. 'We welcome further cooperation with the GCC on the enablers of the digital economy – including in cybersecurity, data governance and cross-border data flows.' At the Asean-GCC-China Summit, PM Wong said that Asean hopes to leverage the expertise of both the GCC and China to support the Asean Power Grid and DEFA. 'This will help all our regions to harness the potential of technological advances, and to meet our shared goal of a sustainable future,' he said. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong meeting Chinese Premier Li Qiang ahead of a gala dinner on Monday PHOTO: LAWRENCE WONG X At the Asean-GCC Summit, PM Wong also broached the issue of Palestine, saying: 'Between the GCC and Asean, we have always stood for an approach of engagement and dialogue to uphold peace and stability, and this is very important as we confront the ongoing conflicts in the world.' 'Singapore continues, and joins colleagues around the table, to call for an immediate ceasefire and the return of the remaining hostages.' Later, at a wrap-up interview with Singapore media, he added that the humanitarian disaster in Gaza is 'the result of Israel going too far in its actions'. 'A ceasefire is still not enough, because even after a ceasefire – you can have a ceasefire for a few days, a few weeks, a few months, even years – violence can still recur again.' He called for all parties to comply with international law, including international humanitarian law, and reiterated Singapore's longstanding support for a negotiated two-state solution. Bilateral meetings At the sidelines of the summit, PM Wong met the Emir of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani for the first time since he became prime minister in 2024. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong (left) with the Emir of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. PHOTO: MDDI They first met in 2017 when PM Wong was minister in attendance during the emir's state visit to Singapore. In a social media post on Tuesday, PM Wong said: 'I look forward to working closely with His Highness to further deepen our multifaceted cooperation – as we navigate an increasingly complex and challenging global landscape together.' Prime Minister Lawrence Wong (left) with Bahrain Crown Prince and Prime Minister Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. PHOTO: MDDI Separately, he also met Bahrain Crown Prince and Prime Minister Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. Noting that Singapore and Bahrain are small island states of about the same land size, PM Wong said: 'We share a similar outlook – always trying to find relevance and add value to the world.' Both countries have much to gain from the mutual sharing of experiences and best practices, he said, adding that he looks forward to working together to enhance their partnership. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong with King of Malaysia Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar PHOTO: BERNAMA PM Wong and his counterparts were also hosted to a royal luncheon by King of Malaysia Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar. In another social media post, he called the sultan a 'longstanding friend of Singapore', adding that it was a pleasure to see him again following their last meeting in January. PM Wong also thanked him for his steadfast support for the strong and enduring ties between the two countries.
