Latest news with #GCC-ASEAN
Kuwait Times
6 days ago
- Business
- Kuwait Times
Kuwait's Crown Prince highlights importance of GCC, ASEAN, China summit in building resilient partnership
Amir's Representative addresses Gaza's 'humanitarian catastrophe', affirms Palestine support KUALA LUMPUR: In a historic gathering marked by shared ambition and expanding ties, leaders from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and China convened, Sunday, in Kuala Lumpur for a trilateral summit aimed at strengthening strategic cooperation across key sectors. The summit was co-chaired by Representative of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and China's Prime Minister Li Qiang. In his opening address, His Highness Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah conveyed the greetings of His Highness the Amir of Kuwait and expressed hope that the summit would mark a pivotal step in building a deeper, more resilient trilateral partnership. He extended sincere gratitude to the Malaysian government for its hospitality and excellent summit arrangements. "This is more than a diplomatic engagement, it is a clear expression of our collective recognition that today's world demands multilateral cooperation grounded in integration, sustainable development, and mutual respect," His Highness stated. He noted that the summit comes at a time of profound global shifts, economic uncertainty, and urgent environmental and geopolitical challenges. In this context, GCC-ASEAN and GCC-China relations have matured into robust partnerships rooted in mutual benefit, institutional collaboration, and long-term planning. His Highness highlighted previous milestones such as the first GCC-China Summit in Riyadh in 2022 and the inaugural GCC-ASEAN Summit in 2023, which laid the groundwork for today's trilateral cooperation. "This summit is a natural evolution of those efforts, a gateway to a new dynamic phase of collaboration between three of the world's most vibrant and economically vital regions," he said. He emphasized the importance of ongoing frameworks, including the Joint Action Plan for Strategic Dialogue with China (2023-2027) and the Strategic Cooperation Framework with ASEAN (2024-2028). These documents, he noted, provide comprehensive roadmaps for deepening cooperation in renewable energy, advanced technology, education, healthcare, artificial intelligence, and scientific research. His Highness pointed to strong economic indicators underscoring the vitality of these relationships, saying that in 2023 trade between the GCC and China reached approximately $298 billion. While foreign direct investment (FDI) flows between the two amounted to $19 billion and trade with ASEAN also exceeded $122 billion, he added that these figures reflect a "genuine momentum that deserves further expansion." He urged renewed efforts to finalize the Free Trade Agreement between the GCC and China, ease trade barriers, and expand investment also advocated for the strengthening of the ASEAN-GCC-China Economic Forum as a platform for innovation and joint ventures in areas such as infrastructure, green energy, and the digital economy. "Our central place in the global economy, combined with our human and natural capital, places a shared responsibility on us to craft integrative policies that ensure food and water security, drive clean energy development, and support innovation and sustainability," he remarked. His Highness laid out five key pillars for deepened trilateral cooperation, including trade and investment integration, energy and food security, advanced technology and digital transformation, cultural, educational, and health cooperation, and a unified international stance. Turning to regional crises, His Highness addressed the "ongoing humanitarian catastrophe" in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories. He reaffirmed the GCC's support for the Palestinian cause and called for an end to the aggression, the protection of civilians, and the resumption of a genuine peace process based on international law and the Arab Peace Initiative."We deeply appreciate the positions taken by our friends in ASEAN and China in support of the Palestinian people," he said. On Syria, he welcomed recent positive developments and reiterated GCC support for efforts that uphold Syria's sovereignty and unity, aiming to restore stability and dignity to its people. Concluding his remarks, His Highness called for effective follow-up mechanisms to translate summit outcomes into concrete programs that benefit people and economies of all participating nations. "Let us ensure this summit is not merely a statement of intent, but a launchpad for tangible progress. Our partnership deserves nothing less than success and prosperity," he concluded. The trilateral summit was widely hailed as a landmark event with far-reaching implications for regional cooperation, economic growth, and political coordination across Asia and the Gulf. - KUNA
Arab Times
6 days ago
- Business
- Arab Times
Kuwait ignites GCC-ASEAN-China synergy
KUALA LUMPUR, May 27: In a historic gathering marked by shared ambition and expanding ties, leaders from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and China convened, Tuesday, in Kuala Lumpur for a trilateral summit aimed at strengthening strategic cooperation across key sectors. The summit was co-chaired by Representative of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Premier of China Li Qiang In his opening address, His Highness Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah conveyed the greetings of His Highness the Amir of Kuwait and expressed hope that the summit would mark a pivotal step in building a deeper, more resilient trilateral partnership. He extended sincere gratitude to the Malaysian government for its hospitality and excellent summit arrangements. 'This is more than a diplomatic engagement, it is a clear expression of our collective recognition that today's world demands multilateral cooperation grounded in integration, sustainable development, and mutual respect,' His Highness stated. He noted that the summit comes at a time of profound global shifts, economic uncertainty, and urgent environmental and geopolitical challenges. In this context, GCC-ASEAN and GCC-China relations have matured into robust partnerships rooted in mutual benefit, institutional collaboration, and long-term planning. His Highness highlighted previous milestones such as the first GCCChina Summit in Riyadh in 2022 and the inaugural GCC-ASEAN Summit in 2023, which laid the groundwork for today's trilateral cooperation. 'This summit is a natural evolution of those efforts, a gateway to a new dynamic phase of collaboration between three of the world's most vibrant and economically vital regions,' he said. He emphasized the importance of ongoing frameworks, including the Joint Action Plan for Strategic Dialogue with China (2023-2027) and the Strategic Cooperation Framework with ASEAN (2024-2028). These documents, he noted, provide comprehensive roadmaps for deepening cooperation in renewable energy, advanced technology, education, healthcare, artificial intelligence, and scientific research. His Highness pointed to strong economic indicators underscoring the vitality of these relationships, saying that in 2023 trade between the GCC and China reached approximately USD 298 billion. While foreign direct investment (FDI) flows between the two amounted to USD 19 billion and trade with ASEAN also exceeded USD 122 billion, he added that these figures reflect a 'genuine momentum that deserves further expansion.' He urged renewed efforts to finalize the Free Trade Agreement between the GCC and China, ease trade barriers, and expand investment flows. He also advocated for the strengthening of the ASEAN-GCC-China Economic Forum as a platform for innovation and joint ventures in areas such as infrastructure, green energy, and the digital economy. 'Our central place in the global economy, combined with our human and natural capital, places a shared responsibility on us to craft integrative policies that ensure food and water security, drive clean energy development, and support innovation and sustainability,' he remarked. His Highness laid out five key pillars for deepened trilateral cooperation, including trade and investment integration, energy and food security, advanced technology and digital transformation, cultural, educational, and health cooperation, and a unified international stance. Turning to regional crises, His Highness addressed the 'ongoing humanitarian catastrophe' in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories. He reaffirmed the GCC's support for the Palestinian cause and called for an end to the aggression, the protection of civilians, and the resumption of a genuine peace process based on international law and the Arab Peace Initiative. 'We deeply appreciate the positions taken by our friends in ASEAN and China in support of the Palestinian people,' he said. On Syria, he welcomed recent positive developments and reiterated GCC support for efforts that uphold Syria's sovereignty and unity, aiming to restore stability and dignity to its people. Concluding his remarks, His Highness called for effective follow-up mechanisms to translate summit outcomes into concrete programs that benefit people and economies of all participating nations. 'Let us ensure this summit is not merely a statement of intent, but a launchpad for tangible progress. Our partnership deserves nothing less than success and prosperity,' he concluded. The trilateral summit was widely hailed as a landmark event with farreaching implications for regional cooperation, economic growth, and political coordination across Asia and the Gulf. Earlier, Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah underscored the urgent need for deeper regional and international collaboration to address pressing global challenges. The call was made during the opening of the second GCC-ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, under the joint leadership of His Highness Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, and Malaysian Prime Minister, Anwar Ibrahim. His Highness the Crown Prince, Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al- Sabah is the current chair of GCC, and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is the current Chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Sabah delivered the summit's opening address, expressing warm greetings on behalf of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, and extended sincere wishes for the summit's success in strengthening the growing partnership between the two regional blocs. In his remarks, the Crown Prince emphasized the global importance of the GCC and ASEAN, highlighting their combined economic strength, vast populations, and strategic locations, saying that the two regions account for a gross domestic product of nearly USD six trillion and a combined population of approximately 740 million. Recalling the inaugural GCC-ASEAN Summit held in Riyadh in October 2023, the Crown Prince described it as a pivotal moment for shaping a comprehensive partnership, and affirmed the commitment of the GCC to building upon this momentum through the '2024-2028 Strategic Cooperation Framework,' which outlines practical steps to establish cooperation and achieve tangible progress. The Crown Prince stressed that economic cooperation remains a top priority, and noted that in 2023, the GCC was ASEAN's seventh-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching USD 130.7 billion, and projected growth of 30 percent over the next decade to an expected USD 180 billion by 2032. He highlighted the opportunities for expanding trade, investments, and partnerships across sectors, including energy, technology, and sustainable development. On energy security and climate action, the Crown Prince lauded ASEAN's progress in renewable energy and reiterated the GCC's readiness to share expertise in clean energy, green hydrogen, and low-carbon technologies to support global climate goals, particularly the Paris Agreement. The Crown Prince also called for enhanced cooperation in food security, digital transformation, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence, and proposed establishing mechanisms for knowledge exchange and joint projects, including infrastructure development and innovation in agriculture and supply chain resilience. In cultural and human exchange, the Crown Prince proposed designating 2026 as the 'Year of Cultural Convergence' between the GCC and ASEAN, including cultural festivals, exhibitions, and reciprocal events such as an ASEAN Day in a GCC country and a GCC Cultural Day in an ASEAN member state. He also advocated for initiatives empowering youth and women through training programs and entrepreneurship support. Turning to pressing regional and global issues, the Crown Prince reaffirmed the GCC's unwavering support for the Palestinian cause and the right of the Palestinian people to establish an independent state along the June 4, 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital. He called on the international community to uphold its legal and moral responsibilities by ensuring the protection of civilians in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories and supporting a credible peace process based on international resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative, and also welcomed ASEAN's solidarity with the Palestinian cause. Regarding Syria, the Crown Prince welcomed positive developments on the ground and reiterated the GCC's support for efforts to maintain Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity, with the aim of restoring stability and opening pathways for development and prosperity. The Crown Prince also stressed that the success of the summit lies not only in the adoption of recommendations but in translating shared ambitions into actionable initiatives, and proposed establishing a high-level follow-up mechanism, co-managed by the GCC and ASEAN Secretariats, to monitor progress and ensure continued engagement. The Crown Prince extended an invitation to ASEAN nations to participate in Expo 2030, which will be hosted in Riyadh, as a global platform for showcasing sustainable partnerships, innovative technologies, and economic and cultural exchange.(KUNA)
Daily Tribune
6 days ago
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain backs ASEAN-GCC free trade push at summit
• Bahrain pushes trade pact • GCC-ASEAN deal supported • Malaysia-GCC FTA welcomed You Know What: The GCC and ASEAN collectively represent nearly 10% of global GDP, making their trade partnership a rising force in global economics. Mahir Haneef TDT| Manama Bahrain has reiterated its support for stronger Gulf-Asian economic cooperation by backing the launch of talks for a GCC-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement, announced during the second ASEAN-GCC Summit held in Kuala Lumpur. His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, issued the call while representing His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa at the high-level gathering, which brought together leaders and senior officials from both blocs. Trade priorities aligned HRH praised the signing of a joint statement that officially launched negotiations for a Malaysia-GCC Free Trade Agreement on Monday. The signing was witnessed by His Highness the Crown Prince of Kuwait and the Prime Minister of Malaysia, and was described by HRH as a milestone that sets the stage for broader regional integration. Reaffirming Bahrain's commitment to advancing collective prosperity, HRH said the proposed GCC-ASEAN FTA would provide a practical framework for strengthening economic and political ties while promoting coordinated action in a rapidly changing global environment. Shared goals and vision HRH also referenced the first GCC-ASEAN Strategic Dialogue held in Bahrain fifteen years ago, noting that what began as exploratory engagement has matured into a genuine strategic partnership. From food security and sustainable tourism to education and clean energy, HRH said the two regions are increasingly aligned in their approach to shared priorities. 'There is tangible progress and real momentum in our collaboration,' HRH noted, adding that this spirit of cooperation is key to turning challenges into long-term opportunities. Commitment to cooperation During the summit, HRH reaffirmed Bahrain's dedication to multilateralism and diplomacy, referencing HM King Hamad's call at last year's Arab Summit in Bahrain for an international peace conference on the Middle East. HRH concluded by emphasising the importance of people-to-people connections and cultural exchanges in building a resilient and forward-looking partnership. 'Through our people, we will build a future-ready alliance that delivers prosperity and peace,' HRH said.
Barnama
7 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
GCC Stresses Importance Of Cooperation With ASEAN, China In Facing Global Challenges
GENERAL By Muhd Anwaruddin Abdul Wahab KUALA LUMPUR, May 27 (Bernama) -- The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) acknowledges the importance of strengthening multilateral cooperation and forging strategic partnerships with ASEAN and China, given the current international situation marked by economic challenges, environmental threats, and the need to accelerate geopolitical transformation. Kuwaiti Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, who is also President of the current session of the GCC Supreme Council, said the GCC-China and ASEAN relationships have become viable and successful models of cooperation based on shared interests, expertise, and the development of long-term institutional frameworks. His Royal Highness said the first GCC-China Summit held in Riyadh in 2022 was a strategic turning point that established a comprehensive partnership to address economic, technological, environmental and developmental issues. Meanwhile, the first GCC-ASEAN Summit, held in Riyadh in 2023, served as a successful platform for cooperation and integration between the two sides. 'Today, the first GCC-ASEAN-China Summit held here is a natural evolution of the initiatives launched in Riyadh and has opened new horizons for trilateral integration, linking the world's two most dynamic and effective regions in the global economy, value chains and production,' the Crown Prince said at the inaugural ASEAN-GCC-China Summit here today. Sheikh Sabah Khaled explained that the GCC highly values the launch of the Joint Action Plan for Strategic Dialogue with China for the 2023-2027 period and believes it lays a solid foundation to enhance cooperation in the fields of renewable energy, technology, education, health, artificial intelligence and scientific research. The GCC also emphasised the importance of the 2024-2028 Strategic Cooperation Framework between the GCC and ASEAN as a platform for establishing institutional mechanisms to strengthen this partnership, which has ultimately formed a trilateral framework between the GCC, ASEAN and China, His Royal Highness said. Economic indicators show steady growth in GCC trade with ASEAN and China.
The Sun
7 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
GCC-ASEAN partnership must advance trade, sustainability and regional stability, says Saudi FM
KUALA LUMPUR: Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah has called for stronger economic and strategic cooperation between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and ASEAN, emphasising trade facilitation, digital transformation and regional stability. Speaking at the 2nd GCC-ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday, Prince Faisal, representing Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, outlined key priorities for advancing the partnership between the two regions, Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported. He said the partnership, founded during the first summit in Riyadh in 2023, must now focus on deepening regional market integration, promoting sustainability, engaging both public and private sectors, and fostering closer people-to-people relations. 'The economic relations between our countries offer promising opportunities in key sectors, including finance, agriculture, halal food industries, and green and renewable energy,' he said. Prince Faisal highlighted that trade between GCC and ASEAN grew by 21 per cent from 2023 to 2024, reaching a total volume of approximately US$123 billion in 2024. This, he noted, reflects the vast potential of the partnership. He urged both sides to intensify efforts to remove trade barriers and facilitate easier market access. Referring to the Economic and Investment Conference held in Riyadh on May 28 last year, the minister described the event as a vital platform for exchanging investment opportunities and encouraging private sector collaboration. Prince Faisal also addressed shared global challenges such as climate change, energy market volatility, and the need to improve food and water security. He recalled the joint commitment made during the first summit to collectively address these issues and reaffirmed the Kingdom's determination to work with ASEAN partners in navigating global uncertainties. On the Palestinian issue, Prince Faisal reiterated Saudi Arabia's firm stance in support of a two-state solution, advocating for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital. He also urged the international community to intensify efforts to promote peace, support humanitarian relief efforts in Gaza, and address regional tensions with a comprehensive political and humanitarian approach. Prince Faisal added that by reaffirming Saudi Arabia's support for all initiatives that strengthen GCC-ASEAN cooperation and help realise the shared aspirations for prosperity, development and stability. The high-level summit, hosted by Malaysia as ASEAN Chair, brought together leaders from both regional blocs to strengthen cooperation across political, economic and security domains. 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.
