KUALA LUMPUR: A second Asean-GCC-China Summit has yet to be agreed upon, with Malaysia remaining open to further cooperation through existing regional platforms, says Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni.
He said the inaugural summit, hosted by Malaysia in May 2025, was agreed upon as a one-off event by all Asean member states.
“Discussions and meetings have yet to reach a common understanding on organising another Asean-GCC-China Summit,” he said during question time in the Dewan Rakyat on Thursday (Nov 12).
However, Lukanisman said Malaysia would continue strengthening ties through existing mechanisms, including Asean-China and Asean-GCC cooperation.
He was responding to Tan Kok Wai (PH-Cheras), who asked about follow-up measures to implement the joint statement adopted at the 2025 summit and when the next meeting would be held.
The joint statement outlined cooperation in trade and investment, energy, technology, connectivity, and inclusive and sustainable growth.
“The partnership can also help strengthen regional energy supply chains amid the conflict in West Asia, which has placed pressure on global energy security,” he said.
He added that Malaysia hoped future Asean chairmanships would follow its lead in organising initiatives to strengthen Asean-GCC-China cooperation.
In a supplementary question, Tan asked whether the partnership could be expanded into a broader Asian summit involving countries from South Asia, East Asia and Central Asia.
Lukanisman said Malaysia would continue exploring opportunities to strengthen economic ties through existing platforms, while remaining open to broader cooperation.
Separately, responding to Dr Halimah Ali (PN-Kapar), he said the Foreign Ministry had included halal diplomacy in its briefing notes for Malaysian diplomats to promote the country's halal industry as part of its economic diplomacy efforts.
Halimah had proposed establishing an Asean-GCC-China Business Council to connect businesses, chambers of commerce and investors across the three regions, particularly to help Malaysian small and medium enterprises and halal businesses access wider markets.
Lukanisman said the proposal was still under discussion and could be raised with the relevant ministries if another summit was held.
