The Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), H.E. Jasem Mohamed Al-Budaiwi, met with Malaysia's Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Abdul Aziz, on Sunday to discuss developments in the GCC-Malaysia Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

Meeting Details:

• Held at the GCC General Secretariat headquarters in Riyadh

• Reviewed trade, industrial, and investment relations between GCC states and Malaysia

• Discussed preparations for the Malaysia-GCC Economic Forum

• Took place ahead of Malaysia hosting dual summits on May 26-27 as ASEAN chair:
  • ASEAN-GCC Summit
  • ASEAN-China Summit (part of 46th ASEAN Summit events)

Key Context:

• Malaysia currently chairs ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations)

• The FTA negotiations represent growing economic ties between Gulf and Southeast Asian nations

• Upcoming summits expected to further strengthen regional partnerships

Official Statement:
The GCC General Secretariat confirmed both parties examined ways to enhance economic cooperation, with Malaysia's ASEAN leadership creating new opportunities for multilateral engagement between the regions.