Dr. Musaed Said: GCC-ASEAN Summit… Strengthening Ties, Ensuring Peace
Saudi Arabian Media Advisor, Dr. Musaed Said highlighted the significance of the Riyadh Summit between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). He underlined Saudi Arabia’s esteemed position and its pioneering role on various fronts.
Broadening Cooperation in Diverse Sectors:
Said added that the summit reaffirmed the Kingdom’s deep-rooted historical ties with Southeast Asia. It aimed to boost relationships across various sectors: economic, cultural, sports, digital innovation, data governance, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence.
He noted that the gathering also emphasized mutual growth in shared sectors. These include health, environmental, technological, and educational fields. Climate agreements and collaborative investment opportunities were also a major focus.
GCC-ASEAN Summit: Fostering Peace & Security
A collective effort to ensure peace, security, and stability was central to the discussions. This comes amidst global conflicts, notably the situation in Gaza. The summit condemned all attacks against civilians. Support for Saudi Arabia’s peace initiative was evident. The goal is to resolve conflicts and establish a Palestinian state in line with international law. Prince Mohammed bin Salman emphasized this, advocating for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.
Notably, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman called for the establishment of a Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders. He emphasized this would ensure security and prosperity for all.
Speaking at the inaugural summit between Gulf Cooperation Council countries and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Mohammed bin Salman expressed deep concern about escalating violence in Gaza.
He stressed, “Innocent civilians are paying the price for the violence in Gaza.”
The Crown Prince condemned the targeting of civilians, describing it as a “heinous crime and brutal assault.”
He urged for an end to military actions against civilians and critical infrastructure impacting their daily lives. Mohammed bin Salman emphasized the need for a permanent peace leading to a Palestinian state.
The Riyadh GCC-ASEAN Summit, being held on Friday, marks a significant milestone in the relations between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). This summit aims to strengthen strategic cooperation between the two blocs, covering political, security, and economic aspects. The GCC and ASEAN established relations since 1990 and this is their first-ever summit.
The meeting held at the Al-Faisaliah Hotel on Wednesday, organized by the Gulf Research Center, served as a precursor to this historic event.
