GCC-ASEAN partnership reflects shared will and strategic vision: Al-Yahya

Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya said the second summit between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) represents a strong manifestation of the shared political will to build a comprehensive strategic partnership grounded in mutual respect and aligned interests.

Speaking at the ministerial meeting between GCC and ASEAN foreign ministers — held in the Malaysian capital and co-chaired by Kuwait and the Philippines — Al-Yahya emphasized that the summit marks a continuation of the vision first established at the inaugural summit, which resulted in the Joint Action Plan 2024–2028, reports Al-Rai daily.

The Joint Action Plan, Al-Yahya noted, outlines an ambitious roadmap for expanding cooperation across a wide range of areas, including political affairs, security, economics, development, culture, and humanitarian work. He stressed the necessity of moving from planning to tangible implementation, calling for the activation of joint initiatives through established mechanisms for periodic evaluation and follow-up to ensure the realization of shared objectives.

Al-Yahya highlighted the pressing need for collective action and stronger partnerships in light of rapidly evolving global challenges — from geopolitical tensions and economic crises to climate change, food and health insecurity, cyber threats, and unstable global supply chains.

He underlined the importance of GCC-ASEAN cooperation across three key axes:

Security and Stability — Enhancing regional and global stability through political dialogue, joint coordination, and adherence to international law. He also called for peaceful dispute resolution, preventive diplomacy, and cooperation in areas such as maritime security, counterterrorism, and the protection of critical infrastructure, all framed within a sustainable development approach.

Economic and Trade Integration — Strengthening trade, investment, and economic collaboration, particularly given that bilateral trade between GCC and ASEAN exceeded $130 billion in 2023, placing the GCC among ASEAN’s largest trading partners. Al-Yahya praised the recent exploratory meetings between the two blocs and expressed optimism about initiating negotiations for a free trade agreement that would enhance investment flows, stimulate private sector participation, and align with the development goals of both regions.

Sustainable Development and Strategic Planning — Deepening cooperation to support shared sustainable development pathways through inclusive partnerships and long-term planning, with a focus on innovation, technology, and education.

Al-Yahya also reiterated the firm stance of the GCC states in calling on Iraq to fully respect Kuwait’s sovereignty and uphold the demarcation of borders in accordance with international agreements, reaffirming the bloc’s commitment to stability, sovereignty, and peaceful coexistence in the region.