Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Owaisheq, GCC Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs and Negotiations, affirmed on Saturday that Kuwait is playing an "active and highly significant role" in preparations for the second GCC-ASEAN Summit and the inaugural GCC-ASEAN-China Summit, scheduled for May 26-27 in Kuala Lumpur.

Key Summit Preparations

• Kuwait's Leadership: As current GCC president, Kuwait is actively coordinating positions and unifying perspectives among member states

• Strategic Partnerships: The summits aim to strengthen ties between Gulf nations, ASEAN, and China

• High-Level Participation: All six GCC states will be represented at the highest levels

Kuwait's Multidimensional Role

Dr. Al-Owaisheq noted Kuwait's growing influence in East and Southeast Asia, particularly in:

• Development and investment initiatives

• Advocating for Gulf and Arab priorities regarding Palestine, Syria, and Yemen

• Humanitarian and economic diplomacy

Economic Significance

• Trade Volumes:

  • GCC-China trade exceeds $200 billion annually

  • GCC-ASEAN trade reaches $150 billion (40% of GCC's total external trade)

• Collective GDP: The three blocs represent over 25% of global economy

Cooperation Frameworks

• Institutional GCC-ASEAN cooperation began in 2009 (Bahrain)

• Current focus areas:

  • Implementation of 2024-2028 Joint Action Plan (approved at 2023 Riyadh Summit)

  • Free trade agreement negotiations with China nearing completion

  • Feasibility studies ongoing for GCC-ASEAN FTA

Upcoming Agreements

• China has expressed strong interest in deepening Gulf cooperation

• GCC maintains balanced relations with all partners

• Bilateral FTAs progressing with Singapore (signed), Indonesia (negotiations ongoing), and Malaysia (preparatory stages)

Summit Objectives

The Kuala Lumpur meetings aim to:

1. Establish effective follow-up mechanisms for summit outcomes

2. Enhance cooperation in trade, investment, energy, and education

3. Strengthen political dialogue amid global geopolitical challenges