The second ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit and the inaugural ASEAN-GCC-China Summit, held in Kuala Lumpur this week, mark a significant step toward enhancing tripartite regional cooperation—particularly in economic collaboration. ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn emphasized the importance of these high-level engagements in advancing shared economic interests.
Leading the ASEAN Secretariat delegation at the 46th ASEAN Summit and related meetings, Dr. Kao underscored the presence of key leaders, including Kuwait’s Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, as a reflection of the deepening partnerships between ASEAN and the GCC.
“It is vital to have leaders from all six GCC member states participating,” Dr. Kao stated in a media interview. “When the first summit was held in Saudi Arabia two years ago, all ASEAN leaders flew in, leading to a highly successful discussion. We expect the same impactful outcome here under Malaysia’s chairmanship.”
Expanding ASEAN-GCC-China Engagement
Dr. Kao noted that strong bilateral relations directly contribute to ASEAN’s broader engagement strategy. He highlighted that Kuwait’s Crown Prince is visiting Kuala Lumpur specifically for the ASEAN-GCC Summit and the ASEAN-GCC-China Summit—signaling the collective intent to advance shared economic priorities.
“These engagements showcase how ASEAN, the GCC, and China can collaborate to drive regional economic integration,” he said.
Future Prospects: ASEAN-GCC Free Trade Agreement
Discussions surrounding a potential Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between ASEAN and the GCC continue to progress, with Dr. Kao confirming the completion of a pre-feasibility study.
“This study will be formally reviewed through official mechanisms, enabling both sides to evaluate potential avenues for economic cooperation,” he explained. “However, it is still early in the process.”
ASEAN remains focused on reinforcing intra-regional collaboration while sustaining engagement with external partners through bilateral FTAs. Dr. Kao expressed optimism about future developments, adding, “There is potential for good progress, and we should wait for the Chair to announce any latest updates.”
A New Dimension in Regional Cooperation
The ASEAN-GCC cooperation framework, first adopted two years ago, has laid the foundation for deeper engagement between the two blocs. With the introduction of the ASEAN-GCC-China Summit this year, ASEAN is creating new opportunities for tripartite economic collaboration and broader regional connectivity.
As the host nation, Malaysia—under its 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship theme of ‘Inclusivity and Sustainability’—is leading pivotal discussions at the ASEAN Summit, ASEAN-GCC Summit, and the ASEAN-GCC-China Summit, scheduled for May 26 and 27 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.
With expectations set high, the ASEAN-GCC-China Summit on May 27 is positioned as a strategic platform for strengthening inter-regional cooperation and advancing ASEAN’s economic diplomacy on the global stage.
