Kuwait crown prince urges global action to end Israeli aggression

by FARAH SOLHI

THE international community must uphold its legal and moral responsibilities and exert the necessary pressure to stop the aggression of Israel occupation on Palestinians, to ensure international protection for the civilians, said Crown Prince of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah.

Leading the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) delegation at the second ASEAN-GCC Summit today, he reaffirmed the bloc’s position on Palestinian cause and supports the right of Palestinian to establish an independent state.

“We also renew our call for the resumption of a serious and credible peace process based on international resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative. We commend ASEAN’s position in supporting the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and defending their just cause.

“Regarding the situation in Syria, the GCC welcomes the positive developments on the ground and affirms support for all efforts aimed at achieving security and stability, preserving Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and enabling the Syrian people to regain safety and prosperity,” he said in his opening remarks delivered at the summit this morning on behalf of Amir of the State of Kuwait Shaikh Meshal Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah.

Apart from the continuing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Sheikh Sabah Khaled said the significance of the ASEAN-GCC Summit represents the inter-bloc foundational station toward strengthening cooperation between both sides.

He added that it is a reflection of the blocs’ historical relations and a renewal of their collective commitment to build a strategic partnership based on shared interests and the principles of international law, while promoting inclusive and sustainable development for the peoples

“The first Riyadh Summit (in Saudi Arabia) between both sides, held on Oct 20, 2023, was a successful beginning to map out a comprehensive cooperation framework.

“We aim to build upon this momentum, guided by the ASEAN-GCC Strategic Partnership Framework 2024-2028, which serves as a roadmap for institutionalising this partnership and transforming it into practical mechanisms capable of achieving tangible progress.

“In the political and security domains, we reaffirm our commitment to constructive dialogue, mutual understanding, respect for sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs — all essential for enhancing regional and international stability,” he said.

Sheikh Sabah Khaled also called for strengthening cooperation in combating terrorism, extremism and organised crime, thud enhancing intelligence sharing and improving crisis response capabilities.

The GCC also proposed to designate 2026 as the Year of Cultural Convergence between the GCC and ASEAN, with cultural weeks, forums and art exhibitions to be held.

“Additionally, we propose celebrating ASEAN Day in a GCC country and GCC Cultural Day in an ASEAN country, to fulfil our shared cultural aspirations.

“We also call for joint youth and women empowerment initiatives in the next action plan, through training programmes, skill-building and entrepreneurship projects that reflect the ambitions of the new generations in our two regions,” he said.

Sheikh Sabah Khaled stressed that the true success of the summit is not measured solely by declarations, but by the implementation of initiatives and the translation of shared aspirations into concrete actions.

On behalf of GCC, he proposed the establishment of a high-level follow-up mechanism under the supervision of both Secretariats, tasked with preparing regular progress reports on the implementation of the summit’s outcomes, to enhance effectiveness and sustainability.

“Finally, we look forward to ASEAN’s participation in Expo 2030, which will be hosted in Riyadh. This will be a global opportunity to present a new model of sustainable partnerships, future technologies, and economic and cultural openness,” he said.

Earlier, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, in chairing ASEAN in the summit said today’s discussions and deliberations are crucial in ensuring the two bloc’s partnership remains dynamic, responsive and impactful.

He added that ASEAN and GCC have the means and responsibility to rise as anchors of stability and engines of future growth.

The ASEAN-GCC Summit, which serves as a platform to enhance inter-bloc cooperation, held its first edition in 2023 in Riyadh. The GCC will also participate in another summit with ASEAN and China later today.

The summits are held in conjunction with the 46th ASEAN Summit at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC).