Malaysia, as chair of Asean, is hopeful that the Asean-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)-China Summit will mark a new chapter in outward-looking engagement.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said such engagement demonstrates the potential that can be achieved when partners work together in mutual respect and shared purpose.
“Despite these challenges, I am confident Asean, the GCC, and China can draw upon our unique attributes and shape a future that is more connected, more resilient, and more prosperous for generations to come,” said Anwar.
The summit was momentous, marking the first time that Asean, the GCC, and China have come together in this ‘unique configuration’ where three partners, each rich in history, civilisation, culture, and shared aspirations, gather to open a new chapter of dialogue and cooperation.
“While existing engagements and mechanisms are well-established, this format creates a new space for collaboration, as we explore pathways to synergise our strengths,” said Anwar at the summit themed ‘Synergising Economic Opportunities Towards Shared Prosperity’.
He said the ties between the three partners are deep and enduring.
“From the ancient Silk Road to the vibrant maritime networks of Southeast Asia to modern trade corridors, our peoples have long connected through commerce, culture, and the sharing of ideas,” said Anwar.
“Historically, centres such as Melaka exemplified this tradition, serving as vital crossroads linking East and West, and demonstrating the power of openness, exchange and strategic connectivity. Today, Asean carries forward that legacy on a broader scale, emerging as a dynamic crossroads of global commerce, innovation and opportunity.”
In 2023, Asean’s GDP reached US$3.8 trillion, making it the world’s fifth-largest economy. That same year, total trade with the GCC stood at US$130.7 billion, with FDI inflows of US$390.2 million.
China continued to be Asean’s largest trading partner with US$696.7 billion in trade and US$17.3 billion in FDI.
Anwar said Asean, the GCC, and China collectively represent a combined GDP of US$24.87 trillion and a population of approximately 2.15 billion.
He added that this collective scale offers vast opportunities to synergise markets, deepen innovation, and promote cross-regional investment.
Among those present at the summit were Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid Al Sabah, Crown Prince of the State of Kuwait and president of the current session of the Supreme Council of the GCC, and Li Qiang, Premier of the People’s Republic of China. Both delivered opening remarks.
