KUALA LUMPUR: Asean and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have the means and responsibility to rise as anchors of stability and engines for growth, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said deliberations during the Second Asean-GCC Summit, being held here concurrently with the 46th Asean Summit, will be crucial in ensuring that the partnership remains dynamic, responsive and impactful.
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"So the Asean-GCC relationship will certainly be key in enhancing inter-regional collaboration, building resilience and securing sustainable prosperity for all.
"I look forward to a meaningful exchange of views that will pave the way for tangible initiatives under our growing and enduring partnership," Anwar said in his opening remarks during the opening of the Second Asean-GCC CSummit on Tuesday (May 27).
Anwar said the foundation for this collaboration was laid during the inaugural summit in Riyadh in 2023.
"And your presence is a testament to our shared commitment to foster strong bonds. The theme for Asean this year is Inclusivity and Sustainability.
"And we proceed with the Asean-GCC Framework of Cooperation 2024 to 2028, which was adopted at the inaugural (Asean-GCC) summit," he said.
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According to Anwar, GCC was Asean's seventh-largest trading partner in 2023, with US$130.7bil (RM550bil).
"As I said last night, Asean happens to be the most peaceful region, (and also) economically vibrant and dynamic.
"GCC also, as I said, made a major paradigm shift from a gloomy desert culture to a vibrant, promising, dynamic economy with the latest state-of-the-art technology (including) digital and AI expertise," he said.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the extraordinary achievement of gathering the leaders here.
"In our experience in this region (it is) quite extraordinary... to be able to bring not only Asean leaders but the most dynamic GCC countries into this region to work together, build on trust, cooperation and true friendship," he said.
The first summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in October 2023 saw the gathered leaders endorse the Asean-GCC Framework of Cooperation (2024-2028), a historic milestone in inter-regional relations.
The GCC, comprising Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia,and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), was founded in 1981 to foster political and economic cooperation among Gulf countries.
