Leaders from Southeast Asia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) convened in Kuala Lumpur this week for the 2nd ASEAN-GCC Summit, pledging to deepen collaboration on economic resilience, security, and sustainable development amid mounting global uncertainties.
Building Bridges Between Regions
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim opened the summit by highlighting the strategic importance of the partnership, which has advanced across political-security, economic, and socio-cultural pillars since its 2023 launch. "ASEAN and the GCC have the means to rise as anchors of stability and engines of growth," he said, urging members to transform shared goals into actionable policies.
Economic Momentum
Kuwait's Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah revealed bilateral trade reached $130.7 billion in 2023, with projections to hit $180 billion by 2032. Both sides emphasized accelerating negotiations for a free trade agreement to strengthen supply chains and unlock investment opportunities in renewable energy, food security, and climate adaptation.
Navigating Global Headwinds
The summit builds on the 2024-2028 Framework of Cooperation adopted during the inaugural meeting in Riyadh. Leaders also addressed external pressures, with Anwar confirming ASEAN members agreed to coordinate responses to U.S. trade tariffs while safeguarding regional partnerships.
As geopolitical tensions reshape global alliances, the ASEAN-GCC partnership emerges as a critical platform for fostering stability and shared prosperity across Asia and the Gulf.
