Kuala Lumpur: Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs, took part in the ministerial preparatory meeting for the upcoming Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit, which is set to be held on May 27 in Kuala Lumpur.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the meeting was led by Abdullah Ali Al Yahya, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kuwait and current Chair of the GCC Ministerial Council, along with Enrique Manalo, Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines and ASEAN's coordinator with the GCC. Key attendees included Jassim Mohammed Al Budaiwi, Secretary General of the GCC, and Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary General of ASEAN.
Dr. Al Zayani highlighted that the meeting aims to build upon the outcomes of the initial GCC-ASEAN Summit hosted in Riyadh in 2023, which focused on enhancing political dialogue and collaboration in sectors such as energy, investment, food security, education, and digital transformation. He also welcomed the proposal for a first trilateral summit between the GCC, ASEAN, and China, emphasizing its significance in fostering multilateral partnerships amid a rapidly changing global environment.
Dr. Al Zayani reiterated Bahrain's dedication to dialogue, diplomacy, and mutual respect, guided by the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. He referenced Bahrain's signing of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Asia in 2019 as evidence of this commitment.
He further stated that these principles will steer Bahrain's approach during its non-permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council for 2026-2027, expressing gratitude for the support from Asian countries for Bahrain's candidacy. Dr. Al Zayani underscored Bahrain's belief that constructive cooperation and robust partnerships are critical for progress, while noting that the GCC and ASEAN serve as pillars of regional stability and models for deepening cooperation to promote peace, security, and prosperity.
The minister also stressed the necessity of a just and comprehensive resolution to the Palestinian issue, calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages and detainees, and the provision of full humanitarian aid.
The meeting included discussions on various agenda topics, including advancements in the 2024-2028 GCC-ASEAN joint cooperation framework. Bahrain's delegation was composed of Dr. Waleed Khalifa Al Manea, Bahraini Ambassador to Malaysia; Ambassador Mohammed Abdulrahman Al Haidan, Acting Chief of the GCC Affairs Sector; and Ambassador Saeed Abdul Khaliq Saeed, Director of the Coordination and Follow-up.