by AUFA MARDHIAH
ASEAN has embarked on a new regional diplomacy chapter with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and China as their inaugural summit took place today.
The ASEAN-GCC-China Summit, hosted by ASEAN chairman Prime Minister (PM) Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, is a historic event that is rich in potential, as the trilateral platform brought together three partners each rich in history, civilisation, culture and shared aspirations.
In his opening remarks, he underscored that each region has achieved remarkable milestones in recent decades.
The GCC, he said, is emerging as a centre for financial strength, energy leadership and breakthroughs in artificial intelligence (AI) and digital innovation.
China, meanwhile, has transformed both itself and the broader international landscape through successful poverty reduction, economic reform and technological development.
Anwar also spoke of ASEAN’s longstanding culture of consensus-based cooperation and mutual respect, which he credited for making the region both peaceful and economically vibrant.
“The friendly, trust-based collaboration between countries in ASEAN is unrivalled. We work together, we think together,” he added.
Anwar noted that this spirit of collaboration has enabled ASEAN to become one of the most peaceful regions in the world, while also ranking among the fastest-growing economies globally.
The summit’s theme, Synergising Economic Opportunities Towards Shared Prosperity, is in line with Malaysia’s ASEAN chairmanship, which focuses on the dual pillars of inclusivity and sustainability.
The PM also reflected on the deep historical and cultural ties that bind ASEAN, the GCC and China.
From the ancient Silk Road and maritime networks of South Asia to trading hubs like Makkah, Madinah, Oman and Melaka, he said the regions have long been connected through commerce, culture and the exchange of ideas.
“Today, ASEAN carries forward that legacy on a broader scale, emerging as a dynamic crossroad of global commerce, innovation and opportunity,” he said.
Anwar expressed confidence that the trilateral partnership could evolve into a lasting framework for strategic cooperation, anchored by shared values and mutual respect.
“ASEAN has long demonstrated that regionalism, anchored in consensus, respect and openness, can succeed. Today, we have the opportunity to enhance these ties,” he said.
He closed his speech by expressing hope that the summit would spark deeper understanding and constructive dialogue among the three regions, setting the tone for a more resilient and connected future.
“With this spirit of optimism and shared purpose, I look forward to a constructive and fruitful discussion today,” he concluded.
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