Asean and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have the means and responsibility to rise as anchors of stability and engines for growth, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said deliberations during the Second Asean-GCC Summit, being held in Kuala Lumpur concurrently with the 46th Asean Summit, will be crucial in ensuring that the partnership remains dynamic, responsive and impactful.
00:00On behalf of the government, the people of Malaysia and of course ASEAN, I'm honored to welcome all of you to Kuala Lumpur for the second ASEAN GCC Summit.
00:21It is indeed a profound privilege for us in Malaysia and ASEAN and for me to co-chair with My Highness Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Kuwait.
00:36The summit, to give credit, the foundation of the summit was laid during the inaugural summit in Riyadh in 2023.
00:46And your presence is a testament to our shared commitment to foster strong bonds.
00:58The theme for ASEAN this year is inclusivity and sustainability.
01:04And we proceed with the ASEAN GCC Framework of Cooperation 24 to 2028.
01:15which was adopted at the inaugural summit.
01:21Now, GCC was ASEAN's seventh-largest trading partner in 2023 with USD$130.7 billion.
01:34Growing investment, reflecting confidence in both GCC and ASEAN.
01:43As I had referred to last night, ASEAN, Alhamdulillah, happens to be the most peaceful region and economically vibrant and dynamic.
01:55GCC also, as I said, made that major paradigm shift from a gloomy desert culture to a vibrant, promising dynamic economically
02:15with the latest state-of-the-art, new technology, digital, and AI expertise.
02:24So, ASEAN-GCC relationship will certainly be key in enhancing inter-regional collaboration,
02:36building resilience, and securing sustainable prosperity for all.
02:42Now, today's deliberations will be crucial in ensuring that our partnership remains dynamic, responsive, and impactful.
02:51We have the means and responsibility to rise as anchors of stability and engines for future growth.
03:01I look forward to a meaningful exchange of views that will pave the way for tangible initiatives under our growing and enduring partnership.
03:11Your Highness and Your Majesty, may I conclude by saying that this is, in our experience in this region, quite extraordinary.
03:23To be able to bring not only ASEAN leaders, but the most dynamic GCC countries into this region to work together, build on trust, cooperation, and true friendship.
