Kuala Lumpur: The first-ever ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)-China Summit marks a significant step towards institutionalising strategic trilateral cooperation in various fields among the three partners, said the GCC Assistant Secretary General for Political and Negotiation Affairs, Dr Abdel Aziz Abu Hamad Aluwaisheg.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the inaugural ASEAN-GCC-China summit, scheduled for May 27, builds upon the momentum of the second ASEAN-GCC Summit and reflects shared interests among the parties, which collectively represent over 40 per cent of the GCC's external trade. Dr Aluwaisheg emphasized the potential for collaboration across trade, investment, security, political dialogue, education, and energy cooperation. He highlighted the strong partnerships that both ASEAN and the GCC have with China, making the trilateral summit a logical step forward.
Aluwaisheg noted the evolving dynamics of ASEAN-GCC relations, pointing out that bilateral trade between the two regional groupings exceeded US$150 billion annually, making ASEAN one of the GCC's top trading partners. He also underscored the importance of ASEAN members such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and Brunei, which have special relationships with the GCC.
In terms of security, particularly maritime collaboration, Aluwaisheg acknowledged the varying levels of involvement among ASEAN countries in existing security arrangements under the Combined Maritime Forces, a 34-nation coalition dedicated to ensuring maritime stability. He noted that maritime instability affects not only the Gulf states, but also key Asian trading partners, thereby necessitating collaborative efforts.
Economically, ASEAN, the GCC, and China are seen as crucial players with significant roles in their respective regions. Aluwaisheg recognized China's constructive role in East Asia, ASEAN's impact in Southeast Asia, and the GCC's contribution to regional security and stability. He expressed optimism that the summit would lead to a formal mechanism for implementing its outcomes, ensuring that the aspirations of the participating heads of state and government are realized.
As the chair and host of ASEAN 2025, themed 'Inclusivity and Sustainability', Malaysia will host the 46th ASEAN Summit and related meetings at the KLCC from May 26 to 27. In conjunction with the summit, two key high-level meetings - the 2nd ASEAN-GCC Summit and the ASEAN-GCC-China Summit - will also take place, marking an important platform for expanded regional and inter-regional cooperation.