Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stated on Tuesday that the second summit between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) represents an "exceptional event" in regional cooperation.

The Prime Minister made these remarks during his opening address at the summit in Kuala Lumpur, which he co-chaired alongside His Highness Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, Crown Prince of Kuwait, representing His Highness the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.

"This unprecedented gathering of ASEAN and GCC leaders enables us to work together, build trust, and foster genuine cooperation and friendship," Ibrahim added.

He credited the establishment of this summit to the inaugural meeting held in Riyadh in 2023, noting that "today's leaders' attendance demonstrates our shared commitment to strengthening these vital ties." He highlighted that ASEAN's theme this year is "Inclusivity and Sustainability."

The Prime Minister explained that both sides are implementing the ASEAN-GCC Cooperation Plan (2024-2028), adopted during the previous Riyadh summit. He noted that the GCC became ASEAN's seventh-largest trading partner in 2023, with bilateral trade reaching $7.13 billion, reflecting growing Gulf investments in ASEAN nations and mutual confidence in their economies.

"ASEAN remains the most peaceful and economically dynamic region, while the GCC has transformed remarkably from desert landscapes to vibrant, technology-driven societies," Ibrahim stated, emphasizing the Council's leadership in digitalization and artificial intelligence.

He affirmed that this partnership "will undoubtedly be key to enhancing interregional cooperation, building resilience, and ensuring sustainable prosperity for all," calling for decisive discussions to maintain a dynamic, responsive, and impactful collaboration.

"We possess the means and responsibility to serve as pillars of stability and engines of future growth," Ibrahim said, expressing hope for fruitful exchanges that would lead to concrete initiatives under this growing partnership.

Regarding Palestine, the Prime Minister stated: "Many of us have clearly expressed our position, hoping for a final settlement - we ask for nothing more. I was raised to reject all forms of colonialism, and thus I oppose the colonization of any nation."

"We were raised to respect human dignity and peoples' aspirations," he continued. "We hope efforts will end this decades-long nightmare of Israeli atrocities," calling for an immediate ceasefire and recognition of the two-state solution as a step toward ending violence.

The second GCC-ASEAN summit is being held in Kuala Lumpur during the 46th ASEAN Summit, with a trilateral meeting between GCC, ASEAN, and Chinese leaders scheduled later today.