ASEAN-GCC Relations: Forging Alliances in a Changing World

Recently the world has turned focus to the ASEAN-GCC relationship these two regional major players are developing in the face of a rapidly changing world two regional major players are developing in the face of a world that is changing rapidly. Nations must come together strengthen their ties, and work together to navigate this transformative era as the tides of geopolitics turn and new challenges arise.

In short, it is cross-regional collaboration in influencing the world of the future while also expanding your knowledge.

The Gulf Cooperation Council and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations met at the Al-Faisaliah Hotel on Wednesday to talk about their relationship. This was done before the two groups’ summit on Friday. The Gulf Research Centre set up the meeting, which was attended by journalists, businesspeople, and representatives from the GCC and ASEAN.

Cooperation in politics, safety, and the economy were some of the things that were talked about. Even though the GCC and ASEAN have been friends since 1990, this will be their first summit together.

In light of the current events and circumstances in the region, Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Uwaisheg, the GCC assistant secretary-general for political affairs and negotiations, stated: “The timing of this participation is crucial.”

He went on to say that strengthening strategic cooperation between leaders from Asia and the Gulf is the primary objective of this meeting.

“More than $110 billion worth of goods are traded with ASEAN countries, accounting for a significant share of the GCC countries’ overall foreign trade volume,” he stated.

The Gulf Research Center’s chairman, Abdulaziz Sagr, told News sources that improved cooperation will result from an MOU between ASEAN and the Federation of Gulf Chambers.

In order to follow up on Friday’s summit, he stated, “we will set up another closed meeting between the Gulf and Asia in January of 2024.”

“It is necessary to take advantage of this enormous and genuine potential. Southeast Asian nations, the Indian Ocean, the China Sea, and the Arabian Gulf are all situated in a strategic location that is important to ASEAN.

After the Strait of Hormuz, the Strait of Malacca, which separates Indonesia and Malaysia, is thought to be the second-most significant strait for oil trade. Additionally, this emphasises how crucial maritime security and sea traffic logistics are,” he remarked.

The Kingdom and GCC community “have important regional partners such as the United States, China, and Central Asia,” according to Rommel Romato, charge d’affaires of the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh.

“We can say that the GCC is an epicentre of growth and change,” Romato continued. Not only has the Kingdom undergone significant change, but so have the neighboring nations. Thus, there are numerous opportunities here for everyone, not just in this area but globally as well.

He declared that the Philippines is equally dedicated to bringing about the suggested political and economic alliances. He expressed his gratitude to Saudi Arabia for hiring labourers from Southeast Asia who needed jobs to support their families.

Romato continued, We must increase our security cooperation.

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ASEAN-GCC Relations:

ASEAN-GCC is a growing relationship at the present time. This presents a big picture of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Southeast Asia on the global stage. Of this growing relationship 2-diverse regions are trying to work together on a wide range of political, social, and economic issues. There are many common interests, shared values, and cultural ties.

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and ASEAN first established formal diplomatic relations in 1977.

Through frequent meetings at various levels and high-level visits between the leaders of both regions, this partnership has grown stronger over time.

Both regions have export-oriented economies and are significant participants in global supply chains. Their objectives are also similar in that they want to use free trade agreements to advance regional integration.

Upcoming 1st GCC-ASEAN Summit: Expectations and Agenda

The leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) will meet at the much-awaited first GCC-ASEAN Summit. The historic summit between these two regional blocs is set to happen in 20 October, and it represents a major turning point in their relationship.

Anticipations for the Summit: Both member states and observers have increased their expectations for the forthcoming GCC-ASEAN Summit. A primary anticipation is that this summit will open the door to deeper economic relations between the GCC and ASEAN nations. The economies of both areas are renowned for being strong, and there is a great deal of potential for trade and investment. It will improve opportunities for business cooperation, investment, and trade between the GCC and ASEAN nations.

Political relations will increase between the regions. In order to effectively address the growing global challenges of terrorism, extremism, pandemics, and climate change, close collaboration between the GCC and ASEAN member states is imperative.