Kuala Lumpur: Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) foreign ministers convened in the Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur, to discuss a framework of cooperation for the years 2024-2028. This meeting was part of the 46th ASEAN summits and related events, which commenced earlier in the day.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Kuwaiti Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah Al-Yahya and Philippines' Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo co-chaired the meeting, representing their countries as coordinators for ASEAN and GCC, respectively. The Malaysian Foreign Ministry highlighted that the proposed cooperation framework aims to enhance institutional connections and strengthen the partnership between the two regional blocs, focusing on developing bilateral cooperation.
The press release from Malaysia emphasized the importance of collaboration in various fields, including political and security coordination, addressing transnational threats, and combatting terrorism and cybersecurity. Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan also stressed the necessity of economic development, sustainable progress, and fostering people-to-people interaction, particularly in education, culture, health, and youth empowerment.
Kuala Lumpur is hosting the 46th ASEAN summits and related events, including the GCC-ASEAN summit, from May 25 to 27. His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, representing His Highness the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, will attend the ASEAN-GCC summit as part of Kuwait's Presidency of the 45th GCC Supreme Council. The ASEAN, established in 1967, comprises Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, Vietnam, Brunei, Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia. It also has significant strategic partners such as China, Japan, South Korea, the US, India, Russia, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the EU.