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. Kao, who is leading the ASEAN Secretariat delegation to the 46th ASEAN Summit and related meetings, said the presence of high-level leaders, including Kuwait’s Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, underscores the importance of this evolving partnership.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Kao emphasized the importance of having leaders from all six GCC member states present at the summit. Reflecting on the success of the first summit held in Saudi Arabia two years ago, he expressed optimism for a similar outcome under Malaysia’s chairmanship this time. The participation of key leaders is seen as a positive influence on ASEAN’s broader engagements, with a particular focus on advancing shared economic interests.

Kao discussed the potential for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between ASEAN and the GCC, noting that a pre-feasibility study has been completed. This study will be reviewed by both regions to explore potential economic cooperation avenues, although discussions are still in the early stages. ASEAN’s current economic priorities focus on strengthening intra-ASEAN cooperation and maintaining momentum with existing external partners through bilateral FTAs.

The ASEAN-GCC cooperation framework was initially adopted two years ago, laying a foundation for deeper engagement between the regions. This year’s introduction of the ASEAN-GCC-China Summit adds a new dimension, offering opportunities for tripartite economic collaboration. The Kuwaiti Crown Prince is expected to depart for Malaysia on Sunday to lead Kuwait’s delegation to the summits, representing the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.

Malaysia, under the theme ‘Inclusivity and Sustainability’, 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 on May 27 is anticipated to serve as a significant platform for expanded regional and inter-regional cooperation.