By Yasmin Ramlan
KUALA LUMPUR, May 27 — As the world faces mounting economic and geopolitical challenges, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has underscored the growing importance of the Asean-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) partnership, describing it as “extraordinary”.
He stressed that deepening ties between the two regions are vital for navigating today’s complex global environment.
“I believe the Asean-GCC partnership has never been more important than it is today, as we navigate an increasingly complex global landscape marked by economic uncertainty and geopolitical challenges.
“A stronger Asean-GCC relationship will be key to enhancing inter-regional collaboration, building resilience, and securing sustainable prosperity for our people.
“Today’s deliberations will be crucial in ensuring that our partnership remains dynamic, responsive, and impactful,” Anwar said in his opening remarks during the second Asean-GCC Summit at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre today.
He added that the Asean-GCC Framework of Cooperation 2024–2028, adopted at the inaugural summit in 2023, provides a blueprint to deepen collaboration across the three pillars of cooperation: political-security, economic, and socio-cultural.
In 2023, the GCC was Asean’s seventh-largest trading partner, with total trade reaching US$130.7 billion (RM550.2 billion).
Investment between the two blocs also continued to grow, reflecting increasing confidence in the partnership’s long-term prospects.
Anwar noted that Asean has emerged as one of the world's most peaceful, economically vibrant, and dynamic regions today.
He also acknowledged the GCC’s significant transformation from what was once seen as a gloomy desert landscape to a hub of economic promise, powered by advanced technology, digital innovation, and expertise in artificial intelligence.
“Asean and the GCC have the means and the responsibility to rise as anchors of stability and engines of future growth.
“This is, in our experience in this region, quite extraordinary to be able to bring not only Asean leaders, but the most dynamic GCC countries into this region to work together, built on trust, cooperation, and true friendship.
“I look forward to a meaningful exchange of views that will pave the way for tangible initiatives under our growing and enduring partnership,” Anwar said.
Among the Asean leaders attending today’s event are the Sultan of Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah. Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto, Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Manet, Laos Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, Vietnam Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính; Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, and Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.
Also attending are Timor-Leste’s Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão as an observer and Asean secretary-general Kao Kim Hourn.
Meanwhile, attending the summit from the GCC were the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Bahrain’s Crown Prince cum Prime Minister Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, and Kuwait’s Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah.
Oman’s Deputy Prime Minister Sayyid Asaad bin Tarik al Said, Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal Farhan Al Saud, and the United Arab Emirates' Supreme Council Member cum the Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, will also be in attendance.
