Historic GCC-ASEAN Summit in Saudi Arabia strengthens regional ties

Leaders from Southeast Asia have converged on the Saudi capital for the historic Association of Southeast Asian Nations-Gulf Cooperation Council Summit, which took place on Friday.

The summit’s primary objective is to foster collaboration between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), comprising Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and the UAE, and the ASEAN bloc, consisting of Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and the Philippines.

One of the key highlights of the event is the anticipated issuance of a joint statement outlining the results of their discussions and cooperation plans for the period from 2024 to 2028. Southeast Asian leaders are keen to explore opportunities for partnership with Gulf states, particularly concerning matters related to energy security.

The roots of the GCC-ASEAN relationship run deep, grounded in shared strategic locations, economic progress, international investment partnerships, cultural development, and a commitment to global peace and stability. These diplomatic ties date back to March 1986, marked by the initiation of contacts and economic dialogues.

The significance of this partnership lies in its joint efforts to promote peace, prosperity, and the well-being of their respective populations. The journey of cooperation between the GCC and ASEAN has seen ministerial meetings, strategic dialogues, and the signing of memoranda of understanding.

This momentous summit follows the preparatory meeting held in Riyadh in August, where discussions revolved around the strengthening of relations and the enhancement of cooperation.

The economic synergy between the regions is evident in the trade volume, which reached $93.9 billion in 2019. Notable contributors to this trade include petroleum products, plastic derivatives, and precious metals.

The summit’s objectives are to enhance coordination on mutual interests, activate regional and global strategic partnerships, and benefit the citizens of the GCC countries and the broader region. It marks the first-ever leadership-level GCC-ASEAN Summit, underscoring the commitment of GCC countries, led by Saudi Arabia, to establish partnerships with influential international blocs.

The summit is also expected to adopt a framework for joint cooperation over the next five years, covering political, security, economic, and investment cooperation.