Kuala Lumpur: Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary General Jassem Al-Budaiwi affirmed that the Gulf states are a globally trusted partner and a key hub for international cooperation, attributing this to their credibility and balanced political approach.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Al-Budaiwi made these remarks in a statement ahead of the 2nd GCC-ASEAN Summit and the 1st GCC-ASEAN-China Summit. He emphasized the significance of the high-level GCC participation in Kuala Lumpur as a demonstration of the Gulf's commitment to strengthening partnerships with ASEAN and China. These summits, he noted, are particularly important amid significant global transformations.
Al-Budaiwi highlighted the deep economic ties between the Gulf and ASEAN, characterized by substantial investments. He described the summit as a strategic platform for discussions on trade, food security, and regional economic integration with China. Furthermore, he outlined the GCC's ambition to develop modern cooperation frameworks in response to global geopolitical and economic shifts, focusing on innovation, technology, digitalization, and enhancing regional security.
He pointed out that the GCC-ASEAN-China grouping accounts for about 30 to 40 percent of the global economy, underscoring its economic and political significance. Al-Budaiwi reiterated the Gulf's policy of positive neutrality and its commitment to regional and international stability.
On political issues, Al-Budaiwi praised ASEAN's supportive stance on the Palestinian cause, highlighting recent calls by ASEAN foreign ministers to halt Israeli occupation attacks on Gaza. He expressed the GCC's appreciation for this position and welcomed the upcoming Saudi-French conference in New York in June, hoping for meaningful international pressure to end military operations, allow humanitarian aid into Gaza, and pave the way for peace talks.
The Malaysian Foreign Ministry announced that the ASEAN-GCC Summit is expected to produce two key documents: a joint statement and a declaration, while the ASEAN-GCC-China Summit will issue a joint statement. These documents aim to deliver balanced, mutually beneficial outcomes promoting regional stability and prosperity.
The 46th ASEAN Summit and its related events, including the GCC-ASEAN and GCC-ASEAN-China summits, commenced on Monday. Kuwait's Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah is leading Kuwait's and the GCC's delegations, representing His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, as part of Kuwait's chairmanship of the 45th session of the GCC Supreme Council.