Kuala Lumpur: The second ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit and the inaugural ASEAN-GCC-China Summit in Kuala Lumpur this week mark a significant step towards strengthening tripartite regional cooperation, particularly in economic collaboration, said ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Kao, who is leading the ASEAN Secretariat delegation to the 46th ASEAN Summit and related meetings, emphasized the importance of high-level participation, including that of Kuwait’s Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, highlighting the evolving partnership. He noted the success of the first summit in Saudi Arabia two years ago and expressed optimism for similar outcomes under Malaysia’s chairmanship.

Kao remarked on the importance of strong bilateral relations in positively influencing ASEAN’s broader engagements. He noted that the Crown Prince’s visit to Kuala Lumpur to participate in both the ASEAN-GCC Summit and the ASEAN-GCC-China Summit reflects the potential for ASEAN, the GCC, and China to collaborate on advancing shared economic interests.

Discussing the prospect of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between ASEAN and the GCC, Kao stated that a pre-feasibility study has been completed and would be reviewed by both regions through official channels. However, he emphasized that it remains early in the process, with ASEAN’s current economic focus being on enhancing intra-ASEAN cooperation and maintaining momentum with existing external partners through bilateral FTAs.

The ASEAN-GCC cooperation framework, adopted two years ago, laid the foundation for deeper engagement, and the introduction of the ASEAN-GCC-China Summit this year adds opportunities for tripartite economic collaboration. The presence of Kuwait’s Crown Prince at the summit further underscores the importance of these high-level meetings, where he will represent the Amir of Kuwait.

As Malaysia holds the ASEAN Chairmanship for 2025, under the theme ‘Inclusivity and Sustainability’, it will host the 46th ASEAN Summit, the 2nd ASEAN-GCC Summit, and the inaugural ASEAN-GCC-China Summit at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre on May 26 and 27. The ASEAN-GCC-China Summit, set for May 27, is poised to serve as a crucial platform for expanding regional and inter-regional cooperation.