Minister of Foreign Affairs Leads Saudi Delegation at “Gulf Cooperation Council, ASEAN, and China Summit” on Behalf of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince

In a significant diplomatic engagement, Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia, led a delegation representing His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, at the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), and People’s Republic of China summit held in Malaysia.

During the summit, Minister Faisal delivered an address emphasizing that this meeting marks an important advancement in the ongoing collaboration that began with the inaugural summit between GCC and ASEAN nations in Riyadh back in 2023. This foundational meeting established ambitious partnerships, enhancing economic and trade links while unveiling new avenues for cooperation across diverse sectors including energy, education, security, and innovation.

He noted, “We gather here to deepen this partnership, especially through the inclusion of the People’s Republic of China.” This sentiment reflects a commitment to fostering a robust and inclusive long-term economic growth that benefits all societal segments while ensuring environmental sustainability.

The Minister outlined plans to expedite the transition to low-carbon, clean, and renewable energy sources. He mentioned the intent to leverage Chinese initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative to bolster regional connectivity, facilitating the integration of ASEAN countries with the GCC. Additionally, Faisal expressed aspirations to advance the digital economy by empowering startups, enhancing public-private partnerships, and promoting cultural exchange programs to build resilient economies that prioritize innovation and inclusiveness.

Highlighting the Saudi Vision 2030, the Foreign Minister reiterated the Kingdom’s commitment to creating an attractive investment environment, easing trade logistics, and removing barriers to commerce. The summit is seen as an opportunity to expand cooperation among the participating countries across all vital areas of mutual interest, with the ultimate aim of forging a long-term strategic partnership that serves the needs of their populations and elevates their status on the global stage.

Furthermore, Minister Faisal emphasized the Kingdom’s dedication to collective efforts to achieve a just and comprehensive resolution that safeguards the rights of the Palestinian people, in alignment with international law and the Arab Peace Initiative. He conveyed a shared commitment among attendees to make every possible effort towards ending the conflict in Ukraine and achieving a sustainable peaceful resolution.

The summit also witnessed the presence of notable figures, including Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Rassi, the Undersecretary for International Multilateral Affairs and General Supervisor of the Ministry’s Public Diplomacy Agency; Abdullah bin Zar’ah, Undersecretary for Economic Affairs and Development; Sarah Al-Sayyid, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Investment for International Relations; and other esteemed diplomats, including Assistant Ambassador of the Kingdom to Malaysia, Musaad Al-Saleem, and Hitham Al-Maliki from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, alongside Anas Al-Waseedi, Director of the Gulf Cooperation Council Affairs Department.

In conclusion, the summit serves not only as a platform for regional dialogue but also as a testament to the commitment of GCC and ASEAN nations, alongside China, to strengthen their partnerships. The focus remains on fostering mutual growth, enhancing trade relations, and addressing pressing global issues collaboratively to ensure a prosperous future for the nations involved.