Kuala Lumpur: The Member States of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC), and the People's Republic of China have adopted a joint declaration aimed at enhancing strategic cooperation across various sectors. The declaration was formalized during the ASEAN-GCC-China Summit held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the declaration acknowledges the long-standing historical and economic ties among the participating regions and emphasizes the mutual desire to further strengthen ASEAN-GCC-China relations. The declaration highlights the importance of regionalism, multilateralism, and international law in fostering peace, stability, development, and prosperity, while underscoring the critical roles of GCC and China in these domains.
The leaders raised concerns about recent developments in the Middle East, condemning attacks on civilians and calling for measures to ensure humanitarian aid delivery and the protection of civilians. They also expressed support for a two-state solution based on pre-1967 borders and acknowledged the roles of various countries and organizations in mediating peace efforts.
Key areas of strategic cooperation outlined in the declaration include economic integration, energy security, digital transformation, and people-to-people exchanges. The declaration commits to enhancing economic resilience through sustainable development, fostering collaborations in digital innovations, and exploring opportunities in food and agriculture sectors.
The declaration also addresses energy security, emphasizing collaboration on sustainable energy transitions, technological innovations, and the development of clean energy solutions. Additionally, it outlines initiatives to promote digital economy frameworks, cybersecurity, and digital literacy.
The ASEAN, GCC, and China leaders reaffirmed their collective resolve to work together to unlock the full potential of their partnership, translating cooperation into tangible benefits for their populations. They also noted several regional initiatives by ASEAN and GCC aimed at addressing global challenges and enhancing regional connectivity.
The joint declaration, adopted on May 27, 2025, in Kuala Lumpur, marks a significant step in strengthening trilateral relations and promoting a peaceful and prosperous future for the participating regions.