Saudi Gazette report
RIYADH — The leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the Affiliation of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) expressed gratitude to Saudi Arabia for internet hosting a landmark summit that concluded on Friday with a dedication to convene each two years. The historic gathering marked a turning level in regional collaboration, setting the stage for a strategic partnership between the 2 influential blocs.
As a testomony to the importance of this momentous event, the leaders thanked Saudi Arabia for its gracious hospitality and visionary management. The choice to carry the GCC-ASEAN summit biennially displays a dedication to sustained dialogue and strengthened ties between the 2 areas.
Trying forward, anticipation is already constructing for the subsequent summit scheduled to happen in Malaysia in 2025. The settlement to rotate the summit’s venue emphasizes the inclusivity and shared accountability of each GCC and ASEAN member states in shaping the way forward for their strategic partnership.
The Riyadh Summit not solely fostered diplomatic relations but additionally laid the groundwork for collaborative initiatives in numerous sectors, together with financial improvement, commerce, cultural alternate, and technological innovation.
A joint assertion issued on the finish of the summit displays a dedication to shared values and rules outlined within the United Nations Constitution. The leaders affirmed their dedication to fostering peace, safety, and prosperity, emphasizing adherence to worldwide regulation, good neighborliness, and peaceable dispute decision.
Key areas of cooperation had been highlighted, together with the implementation of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific, maritime cooperation, connectivity, Sustainable Improvement Targets (SDGs), and financial collaboration. The leaders acknowledged the significance of oceans and seas in driving regional progress, advocating for peace, stability, and maritime security.
The summit centered on enhancing ties via multilateral and bilateral channels, addressing world challenges, guaranteeing sustainable provide chains, and selling cooperation in numerous sectors, together with inexperienced and renewable vitality, tourism, and infrastructure. The announcement of the primary GCC-ASEAN Financial and Funding Convention in Riyadh in 2024 underscores the dedication to boosting commerce and funding.
A complete framework of cooperation for 2024-2028 was unveiled, outlining joint efforts in political and safety dialogue, commerce and funding, people-to-people exchanges, training, tradition, tourism, media, and sports activities.
The leaders expressed a united entrance towards transnational crime, cybercrime, counterterrorism, and extremism, underscoring the necessity for enhanced commerce and funding flows. They inspired public-private sector engagement and business-to-business relations, aiming for sustainable infrastructure, renewables, agriculture, healthcare, tourism, logistics, and digitalization.
Moreover, the leaders emphasised cooperation in financial partnership priorities reminiscent of regional market integration, sustainability, digital transformation, and inclusivity, with a give attention to supporting entrepreneurs and start-ups.
The joint dedication prolonged to selling dialogue amongst civilizations, advancing mutual understanding, and fostering respect for variety. The leaders acknowledged the significance of cultural exchanges, heritage preservation, and selling tourism initiatives.
The summit concluded with expressions of help for Saudi Arabia’s bid to host Expo 2030 and the Kingdom’s Center East Inexperienced Initiative.