Speeches, Statements & International Documents

ASEAN-GCC-CHINA SUMMIT

OPENING REMARKS

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[YAB PM to deliver opening remarks.]

[YAB Prime Minister to invite Kuwait, followed by China to deliver opening remarks]

Your Majesty,

Your Royal Highness,

Your Highnesses, Excellencies,

1. On behalf of the Government and people of Malaysia, I am honoured to welcome you to Kuala Lumpur for this historic ASEAN-GCC-China Summit.

2. For the first time, ASEAN, the GCC, and China come together in this unique configuration – three partners, each rich in history, civilisation, culture, and shared aspirations – gather to open a new chapter of dialogue and cooperation.

3. While existing engagements and mechanisms are well established, this format creates a new space for collaboration, as we explore pathways to synergise our strengths.

4. The theme of this Summit - Synergising Economic Opportunities Towards Shared Prosperity - resonates deeply with Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship, under the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability”.

Your Majesty,
Your Royal Highness,
Your Highnesses, Excellencies,

5. The ties between us are deep and enduring. From the ancient Silk Road to the vibrant maritime networks of Southeast Asia to modern trade corridors, our peoples have long connected through commerce, culture, and the sharing of ideas.

6. Historically, centres such as Malacca exemplified this tradition, serving as vital crossroads linking East and West and demonstrating the power of openness, exchange and strategic connectivity.

7. Today, ASEAN carries forward that legacy on a broader scale, emerging as a dynamic crossroads of global commerce, innovation and opportunity.

8. In 2023, ASEAN’s GDP reached USD 3.8 trillion, making it the world’s fifth-largest economy. That same year, total trade with the GCC stood at USD130.7 billion, with FDI inflows of USD 390.2 million.

9. China, meanwhile, remained ASEAN’s largest trading partner with USD 696.7 billion in trade and USD 17.3 billion in FDI. These figures indicate immense existing linkages as well as substantial untapped potential.

10. ASEAN, the GCC, and China collectively represent a combined GDP of USD 24.87 trillion and a population of approximately 2.15 billion. This collective scale offers vast opportunities to synergise our markets, deepen innovation, and promote cross-regional investment. By strengthening collaboration in these areas, we can lay the foundation for stable, resilient, and sustainable growth.

11. I hope this Summit will stand as a new chapter in ASEAN’s journey of outward-looking engagement, demonstrating what can be achieved when partners work together in mutual respect and shared purpose.

12. Despite these challenges, I am confident that ASEAN, the GCC, and China can draw upon our unique attributes, and shape a future that is more connected, more resilient, and more prosperous for generations to come.

13. ASEAN has long demonstrated that regionalism, anchored in consensus, respect, and openness, can succeed. We have thrived in our longstanding partnerships with the GCC and China. Today, we have the opportunity to enhance these ties.

14. With this spirit of optimism and shared purpose, I look forward to constructive and fruitful discussions today.

Thank you.

[YAB Prime Minister to invite His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Sabah, Crown Prince of the State of Kuwait, as President of the current session of the Supreme Council of the GCC, to deliver his opening remarks.] (5 minutes)

15. I now invite 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.

16. Thank you, Your Highness.

[YAB Prime Minister to invite His Excellency Li Qiang, Premier of the

People’s Republic of China, to deliver his opening remarks.] (5 minutes)

17. I now invite His Excellency Li Qiang, Premier of the People’s Republic of China, to deliver his opening remarks.

18. Thank you, Your Excellency.

[The media will be requested to leave the hall as the meeting proceeds to the closed session]

19. I would like to thank the members of the media and kindly request that they vacate the hall as the meeting proceeds to the closed session.

Thank you.