Kuala Lumpur: His Highness Kuwait's Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, representing His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, emphasized the necessity for increased regional and international cooperation to tackle global challenges during the opening of the second GCC-ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur.
According to Kuwait News Agency, the summit was jointly led by His Highness the Crown Prince, who is the current chair of the GCC, and Malaysian Prime Minister, Anwar Ibrahim, the current Chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Sabah, in his opening address, conveyed greetings from His Highness the Amir, expressing hopes for the summit's success in enhancing the partnership between the GCC and ASEAN.
The Crown Prince highlighted the significant global role of both the GCC and ASEAN due to their economic power, large populations, and strategic locations. He noted that the combined GDP of the two regions is nearly USD six trillion, with a population of about 740 million. Reflecting on the first GCC-ASEAN Summit held in Riyadh in October 2023, he reaffirmed the GCC's dedication to advancing the partnership through the "2024-2028 Strategic Cooperation Framework."
Economic cooperation was identified as a priority, with 2023 marking the GCC as ASEAN's seventh-largest trading partner. Bilateral trade reached USD 130.7 billion, with expectations of a 30 percent rise to USD 180 billion by 2032. The Crown Prince pointed out prospects for expanding trade and investments, particularly in energy, technology, and sustainable development.
On energy security and climate action, he praised ASEAN's renewable energy strides and expressed the GCC's willingness to share expertise in clean energy and low-carbon technologies, supporting global climate objectives, especially the Paris Agreement. Additionally, he urged collaboration in food security, digital transformation, and cybersecurity.
In cultural exchange, the Crown Prince suggested naming 2026 as the "Year of Cultural Convergence," featuring cultural festivals and events to foster mutual understanding. He also advocated for initiatives empowering youth and women through training and entrepreneurship programs.
Addressing regional and global issues, the Crown Prince reiterated the GCC's steadfast support for the Palestinian cause, calling for international efforts to protect Palestinian civilians and advance a peace process based on international resolutions. He also acknowledged ASEAN's solidarity with Palestine.
On Syria, he welcomed positive developments and reiterated support for maintaining Syria's sovereignty and stability. He stressed the importance of actionable initiatives from the summit and proposed a high-level follow-up mechanism jointly managed by the GCC and ASEAN Secretariats.
Concluding his remarks, the Crown Prince invited ASEAN nations to participate in Expo 2030 in Riyadh, promoting sustainable partnerships and cultural exchange.