• Salah Abdullah Al-attar - Editor-in-Chief

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GCC-ASEAN Summit Kicks Off in Kuala Lumpur..

Kuala Lumpur, [Date] – The Second GCC-ASEAN Summit officially opened today in Malaysia under the joint presidency of:

  • His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah (representing His Highness the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah)

  • Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim

The summit coincides with the 46th ASEAN Summit and precedes the inaugural ASEAN-GCC-China Trilateral Summit later today, concluding the series of ASEAN-related summits.

Key Agenda Items:

  • GCC Secretary General Jasem Al-Budaiwi told KUNA that strategic partnerships with ASEAN and China, along with Gaza crisis resolution efforts, are "top priorities"

  • Discussions will focus on enhancing political, economic and security cooperation

  • Malaysia emphasized practical steps to expand trade, investment and sustainable development

Strategic Context:

  1. Historic Moment: "We're at a critical juncture with two summits carrying global implications beyond regional blocs" – Al-Budaiwi

  2. ASEAN 2045 Vision: Follows yesterday's Kuala Lumpur Declaration launch and renewable energy agreements

  3. Economic Integration: Marks commencement of ASEAN-GCC FTA negotiations

Participating Leaders Include:
GCC Delegation:

  • Qatar's Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani

  • Bahrain's Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa

  • UAE's RAK Ruler Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi

  • Oman's Deputy PM Asaad bin Tariq Al Said

  • Saudi FM Prince Faisal bin Farhan

ASEAN Representation:
Full ASEAN leadership including Brunei's Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto, and Singapore's PM Lawrence Wong

Special Participants:

  • Chinese Premier Li Qiang (Trilateral Summit)

  • Timor-Leste PM Xanana Gusmão (observer)

The summits will conclude with:

  1. Press conference by PM Anwar Ibrahim

  2. Official dinner at ASEAN-GCC-China Economic Forum