Kuala Lumpur, [Date] – The Second GCC-ASEAN Summit officially opened today in Malaysia under the joint presidency of:
His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah (representing His Highness the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah)
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim
The summit coincides with the 46th ASEAN Summit and precedes the inaugural ASEAN-GCC-China Trilateral Summit later today, concluding the series of ASEAN-related summits.
Key Agenda Items:
GCC Secretary General Jasem Al-Budaiwi told KUNA that strategic partnerships with ASEAN and China, along with Gaza crisis resolution efforts, are "top priorities"
Discussions will focus on enhancing political, economic and security cooperation
Malaysia emphasized practical steps to expand trade, investment and sustainable development
Strategic Context:
Historic Moment: "We're at a critical juncture with two summits carrying global implications beyond regional blocs" – Al-Budaiwi
ASEAN 2045 Vision: Follows yesterday's Kuala Lumpur Declaration launch and renewable energy agreements
Economic Integration: Marks commencement of ASEAN-GCC FTA negotiations
Participating Leaders Include:
GCC Delegation:
Qatar's Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani
Bahrain's Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa
UAE's RAK Ruler Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi
Oman's Deputy PM Asaad bin Tariq Al Said
Saudi FM Prince Faisal bin Farhan
ASEAN Representation:
Full ASEAN leadership including Brunei's Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto, and Singapore's PM Lawrence Wong
Special Participants:
Chinese Premier Li Qiang (Trilateral Summit)
Timor-Leste PM Xanana Gusmão (observer)
The summits will conclude with:
Press conference by PM Anwar Ibrahim
Official dinner at ASEAN-GCC-China Economic Forum