Latest news with #GCC-China
Kuwait Times
27-05-2025
- 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
27-05-2025
- 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)
New Straits Times
27-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
GCC stresses importance of cooperation with Asean, China in facing global challenges
KUALA LUMPUR: 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. Total trade between the GCC and China reached approximately USD298 billion in 2023, while foreign direct investment between the two sides amounted to around USD19 billion in the same year. Trade with Asean surpassed USD122 billion in 2023, reflecting strong momentum and a partnership that should be further expanded and developed. "In this context, we stress the importance of concluding negotiations for a free trade agreement between the GCC and China and intensifying efforts to facilitate trade and investment in accordance with our national and regional frameworks," His Royal Highness said. Sheikh Sabah Khaled added that the GCC also calls for the removal of barriers that limit export flows between the GCC, Asean and China to accelerate investment integration and improve market access among the three parties. His Royal Highness also underlined the importance of the Asean-GCC-China Economic Forum as a platform to explore opportunities in investment, innovation, and integration in infrastructure, green energy, the digital economy, and other areas of mutual interest. The Crown Prince said the GCC's strategic position and resources in the global economy carry a shared responsibility to develop integrated policies that enhance food and water security, promote cooperation in clean energy, and support innovation and sustainability — including alignment with the Belt and Road Initiative and the national development visions of GCC member states. The summit was a new initiative by Malaysia as Asean Chair, aimed at strengthening trilateral economic cooperation among Asean, the GCC and China. It was attended by leaders from Asean, GCC member states and China.
Barnama
27-05-2025
- 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
27-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
GCC stresses importance of cooperation with ASEAN, China in facing global challenges
KUALA LUMPUR: 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. Total trade between the GCC and China reached approximately USD298 billion in 2023, while foreign direct investment between the two sides amounted to around USD19 billion in the same year. Trade with ASEAN surpassed USD122 billion in 2023, reflecting strong momentum and a partnership that should be further expanded and developed. 'In this context, we stress the importance of concluding negotiations for a free trade agreement between the GCC and China and intensifying efforts to facilitate trade and investment in accordance with our national and regional frameworks,' His Royal Highness said. Sheikh Sabah Khaled added that the GCC also calls for the removal of barriers that limit export flows between the GCC, ASEAN and China to accelerate investment integration and improve market access among the three parties. His Royal Highness also underlined the importance of the ASEAN-GCC-China Economic Forum as a platform to explore opportunities in investment, innovation, and integration in infrastructure, green energy, the digital economy, and other areas of mutual interest. The Crown Prince said the GCC's strategic position and resources in the global economy carry a shared responsibility to develop integrated policies that enhance food and water security, promote cooperation in clean energy, and support innovation and sustainability — including alignment with the Belt and Road Initiative and the national development visions of GCC member states. The summit was a new initiative by Malaysia as ASEAN Chair, aimed at strengthening trilateral economic cooperation among ASEAN, the GCC and China. It was attended by leaders from ASEAN, GCC member states and China.
