Latest news with #GCC)-ChinaSummit
Borneo Post
3 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Malaysia's leadership shines at ASEAN Summit with key milestones and global partnership
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is seen alongside ASEAN, Gulf, and Chinese leaders during the 2nd ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)-China Summit. – Bernama photo KUALA LUMPUR (May 30): Undoubtedly, the ASEAN Summit held in the capital earlier this week concluded on a high note, marking a significant moment for regional diplomacy and Malaysia's leadership on the Southeast Asian stage. Several key milestones were achieved at the meeting, which was attended by leaders from all ten ASEAN member states and key dialogue partners. One of the most significant outcomes of the summit was the formal announcement that Timor-Leste will become a full member of ASEAN by October 2025. Membership in ASEAN is never an easy path for any country, as the regional bloc works on a consensus basis. All it takes is for a member country to oppose the new entrant, and it goes out the window. There have been some anxious moments for the youngest Asian nation, which has just a 1.5 million population, with one Timor Leste diplomat joking that 'going to heaven is easier than joining ASEAN.' Resource-rich Timor-Leste occupies the eastern part of the island of Timor, at the far eastern tip of the Indonesian archipelago. But with its biggest supporter, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, pushing for its entrance into ASEAN, there were plenty of behind-the-scenes persuasions to ensure a consensus was met. After years of preparation and observer participation, Timor-Leste's accession was unanimously endorsed. The Prime Minister described the decision as 'historic and deeply symbolic,' noting that it represents ASEAN's commitment to inclusivity and support for emerging democracies in the region. Malaysia has been providing training for the country's budding diplomats at the Institute of Diplomacy and Foreign Relations (IDFR). The IDFR also organised a specialised programme for over 50 government officials in support of Timor-Leste's journey toward ASEAN membership. In addition, two key high-level meetings – the ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit and the ASEAN-GCC-China Summit – concluded successfully on the sidelines of the 46th ASEAN Summit. The ASEAN-GCC-China Summit, which was attended by China's Premier Li Qiang, is unprecedented as this is the first of its kind, reflecting Malaysia's push for greater economic cooperation. Against the backdrop of crippling tariffs and rising economic uncertainties, the Al Jazeera described the meeting as 'alternative centres of global power in full display with the GCC and China attending the ASEAN summit for the group's inaugural trilateral meeting.'' The GCC comprises Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Both engagements reflected ASEAN's increasing global relevance and its strategy of balanced engagement. For Anwar, the summit was not only a diplomatic success but a personal milestone that underscored his growing influence in regional affairs. The successful hosting of the summit was a defining moment in his premiership as the event offered a platform to showcase his commitment to multilateralism, inclusive development, and principled diplomacy. He was able to forge economic consensus in rallying member states around the ASEAN Digital Trade Framework Agreement (ADTFA), demonstrating his ability to bridge diverse economic interests. He successfully aligned Malaysia's digital economy goals with broader ASEAN ambitions. Some have asked why the Palestine issue was brought up at a forum which should emphasise only regional economic operation, but the point is that ASEAN needs to be a voice that has to be taken seriously by the international community. Anwar used the summit to push for a stronger ASEAN position on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. His passionate advocacy led to a joint ASEAN statement urging an immediate ceasefire and calling for greater humanitarian access – a rare unified stance on a sensitive international issue. Anwar also convened a special session on sustainable energy, bringing together ministers and private sector leaders to discuss accelerating the energy transition. His proposal for a regional ASEAN Green Finance Initiative gained traction, with several member states agreeing to explore joint green bond issuances. Kudos to the Foreign Ministry for elevating the Malaysian diplomatic status with its smooth and well-organised hosting of the summit. It certainly has Malaysia's reputation as a capable and constructive regional player. Anwar's emphasis on dialogue, inclusivity, and regional solidarity certainly resonated with both ASEAN leaders and external partners. But the job for Malaysia's ASEAN 2025 Chairmanship, themed 'Inclusivity and Sustainability', isn't fully done yet. Three major events are coming up with the ASEAN Foreign Ministers and ASEAN Post Ministerial Conference (AMM PMC) in July, and the ASEAN Economic Ministers meeting in September. The grand finale is from Oct 24-26, where the 47th Summit will be held and attended by its dialogue partners. ASEAN dialogue partners are Australia, Canada, China, the European Union, India, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States. – Bernama Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai, a veteran journalist, is the chairman of BERNAMA, the national news agency. anwar ibrahim Asean Summit diplomacy lead leadership
Barnama
5 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
ASEAN Members To Monitor Trade Diversion Risk, Engage Constructively With Partners Amid Global Uncertainty
GENERAL Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is seen alongside ASEAN, Gulf, and Chinese leaders during the 2nd ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)-China Summit, held in conjunction with the 46th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. -- fotoBERNAMA (2025) COPYRIGHT RESERVED By Nurul Hanis Izmir KUALA LUMPUR, May 27 (Bernama) -- ASEAN leaders, in a united response to rising global economic and trade uncertainties, have directed relevant officials to monitor the risk of trade diversion and engage constructively with partners through established platforms. According to the ASEAN Leaders' Statement released at the conclusion of the 46th ASEAN Summit, member states reaffirmed their commitment to resolving trade issues through peaceful, consultative dialogue grounded in mutual respect and international law, consistent with the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia. 'To this end, we reaffirm ASEAN's commitment towards regional unity, economic stability and practical cooperation in navigating external challenges,' the statement said. Gathering in Kuala Lumpur on May 26, 2025, ASEAN leaders acknowledged the escalation of unilateral actions such as tariffs and trade restrictions, and the increasing risk of global economic fragmentation. They stressed the bloc's strongest resolve to safeguard regional economic stability, resilience and long-term growth, while calling out the counterproductive nature of retaliatory trade actions that could further impact ASEAN economies. In a joint call to action, ASEAN leaders outlined a series of commitments, starting with strengthening ASEAN's internal trade and investment. These efforts include fast-tracking key initiatives such as the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) and the upgrade of the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA), aimed at boosting business certainty and competitiveness. The bloc also committed to modernising ASEAN Plus One Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), while intensifying economic cooperation with existing and new partners. This includes region-to-region linkages such as with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
Barnama
6 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
ASEAN, GCC And China - A New Power Bloc Of The Global South
From Kisho Kumari Sucedaram BEIJING, May 27 (Bernama) -- As the global economic uncertainty rages on following the United States' (US) sweeping tariffs, China sees the inaugural ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)-China Summit in Kuala Lumpur today not merely as a diplomatic gathering but a pivotal moment in the rise of the Global South. For China, this tripartite meeting is far more than a symbolic gesture. It represents the emergence of a new economic and strategic axis, one that challenges traditional Western-dominated trade frameworks and offers an alternative vision of cooperative development. This was made evident when China's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, Mao Ning, remarked last week that China looks to expand practical cooperation with ASEAN and the oil-rich GCC member states in various fields to leverage their respective strengths, pursue win-win results and defend common interests of the Global South. It would be a coming together of ASEAN's quest to foster integration within Southeast Asia, GCC's aim to reduce dependence on oil and diversify the economy, and China's Belt and Road Initiative focusing on global infrastructure development strategies. Malaysia, as ASEAN Chair this year, is hosting the maiden ASEAN-GCC-China Summit which is set to unlock immense potential for multilateral cooperation. The combined weight of ASEAN, GCC and China is certainly reshaping the global economic dynamics. ASEAN, now the world's fifth-largest economy with a collective gross domestic product (GDP) of over US$3.6 trillion (US$1=RM4.22), is not just a manufacturing hub but also a burgeoning consumer market of 700 million people. On Sunday, Malaysia's Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz told a press conference that the collective ASEAN GDP is projected to grow at 4.7 per cent in 2025 from 4.2 per cent last year.
Barnama
6 days ago
- Politics
- Barnama
Chinese Premier Li Qiang Flies Into KL For ASEAN-GCC-China Summit
SEPANG, May 26 (Bernama) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang arrived here today to attend the inaugural ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)-China Summit in Kuala Lumpur. The special aircraft carrying Li and his delegation landed at the Bunga Raya Complex at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) at 12.20 pm. Li and his entourage were welcomed by Transport Minister Anthony Loke and Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing. Li then inspected a guard-of-honour mounted by 28 officers and personnel from the First Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment led by Capt Muhammad Firdaus Mat Hayin. The 46th ASEAN Summit began at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre today, while the 2nd ASEAN-GCC Summit and the inaugural ASEAN-GCC-China Summit will take place at the same venue tomorrow. The ASEAN Summit brings together leaders from member states to deliberate on regional developments and chart the future direction of the regional grouping. This marks Malaysia's fifth time chairing ASEAN, following its previous terms in 1977, 1997, 2005 and 2015. -- BERNAMA
The Sun
7 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
ASEAN-GCC-China trilateral summit symbolises strength of regional blocs' cohesion
KUALA LUMPUR: The ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)-China Summit symbolises the power of cohesiveness of regional blocs which would have a positive impact on the world at large, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said today. Anwar, who is the current Chair of ASEAN, said the unity between them manifests the successful reshaping of regional partnerships in response to the evolving dynamics of a multipolar world. 'ASEAN member countries must preserve the multilateral system,' he said in his opening remarks at the 46th ASEAN Summit and related meetings. Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said the 57-year old grouping should ensure that the ASEAN-GCC-China geo-economic model continues to play a meaningful role in forging a more inclusive and sustainable future, for the region and the people. The theme for Malaysia's 2025 Chairmanship is 'Inclusivity and Sustainability.' Head of States that were present were Sultan of Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto, Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet, Laos' Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, Vietnam's Prime Minister, Pham Minh Chinh, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Also present were Timor Leste's Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão as Observer, and ASEAN's Secretary-General Dr Kao Kim Hourn. This year marks Malaysia's fifth time chairing the regional bloc, having previously held the ASEAN chairmanship in 1977, 1997, 2005, and 2015. In conjunction with the summit, two pivotal high-level engagements, namely the 2nd ASEAN-GCC Summit and the inaugural ASEAN-GCC-China Summit, will also be convened, serving as strategic platforms to advance regional and inter-regional cooperation.
