SEPANG, May 23, 2025 — The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is eager to strengthen ties with ASEAN, focusing on bolstering security and fostering regional stability, a senior GCC official said today.
Dr. Abdel Aziz Abu Hamad Aluwaisheg, GCC Assistant Secretary General for Political and Negotiations, emphasized the GCC’s commitment to security, a core pillar since its founding 43 years ago as a political and economic bloc.
“We live in a challenging region, but we’ve maintained stability and aim to support our neighbors in doing the same,” he told Bernama upon arriving at Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 1, ahead of the 46th ASEAN Summit.
Aluwaisheg highlighted shared values between the GCC and ASEAN, particularly their commitment to neutrality in global politics.
“We both avoid aligning with major powers in conflicts involving the U.S., Europe, China, or others like India and Pakistan. This independence strengthens our relationships with all,” he said.
The GCC, comprising Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, was established on May 25, 1981, in Abu Dhabi.
Looking to the ASEAN Summit, Aluwaisheg expressed optimism about elevating GCC-ASEAN cooperation. “We’ve built a strong framework over the past two years, covering political dialogue, security, and trade. We’re exploring a free trade area with ASEAN and potential trade ties with Malaysia as a group,” he said, adding that the summit could accelerate these efforts.
The upcoming ASEAN-GCC Summit and the inaugural ASEAN-GCC-China Summit, with China represented by Premier Li Qiang, are expected to mark a milestone in regional diplomacy.
The 46th ASEAN Summit, themed “Inclusivity and Sustainability,” will take place at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre on May 26-27, uniting ASEAN leaders to shape the bloc’s future.