Speeches, Statements & International Documents

2ND ASEAN-GCC SUMMIT

OPENING REMARKS

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[YAB PM to deliver opening remarks.]

Your Majesty,

Your Royal Highness,

Your Highnesses, Excellencies,

Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh, and a very good morning.

1.   On behalf of the Government and people of Malaysia, I am honoured to welcome all of you to Kuala Lumpur for the 2nd ASEAN-GCC Summit. It is a profound privilege for Malaysia to co-chair and host this Summit.

2.   This Summit builds upon the foundations laid during the inaugural summit in Riyadh in 2023.

3.   Your presence is a testament to our shared commitment to foster stronger bonds between our two regions and further strengthen our strategic ties.

4.   Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship theme, “Inclusivity and Sustainability”, reflects the aspiration for growth that is equitable, people-centred and forward-looking. This theme aligns closely with the values shared by ASEAN and the GCC of stability through unity, prosperity through cooperation, and resilience through shared responsibility.

5.  The ASEAN-GCC Framework of Cooperation 2024–2028, adopted at our inaugural Summit, provides a blueprint to deepen our collaboration across all three pillars of cooperation. The momentum is encouraging.

6.   In 2023, the GCC was ASEAN’s 7th largest trading partner, with total trade reaching USD 130.7 billion. Investment is also growing, reflecting increasing confidence in the long-term prospects of our partnership.

7.   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.

8.    A stronger ASEAN-GCC relationship will be key to enhancing interregional collaboration, building resilience, and securing sustainable prosperity for our peoples.

9.   Today’s deliberations will be crucial in ensuring that our partnership remains dynamic, responsive, and impactful. Let us use today’s Summit to reaffirm our collective ambition and translate our shared vision into concrete and impactful cooperation.

10.   ASEAN and the GCC have the means and the responsibility to rise as anchors of stability and engines of future growth. I look forward to a meaningful exchange of views that will pave the way for tangible initiatives under our growing and enduring partnership.

11.  With that, I now have the honour to declare the 2nd ASEAN-GCC Summit open.

[YAB Prime Minister to strike the gavel]

Thank you.

[YAB Prime Minister to invite the State of Kuwait as President of the current session of the Supreme Council of the GCC, to deliver its opening remarks.] (3 minutes)

12.   Now, I have the honour of inviting His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Sabah, Crown Prince of the State of Kuwait, as the President of the current session of the Supreme Council of the GCC, to deliver his opening remarks. Your Highness, you have the floor.

13.   Thank you, Your Highness.

14.   I thank the members of the media and kindly request that they leave the hall as the meeting proceeds to the closed session.

Thank you.