Oman at GCC–ASEAN Ministerial meeting in Malaysia

The Sultanate of Oman participated in a ministerial meeting between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), held in the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur, in preparation for the upcoming GCC–ASEAN Summit.

Sheikh Khalifa Alharthy, Foreign Ministry Undersecretary for Political Affairs and head of Oman's delegation to the meeting, delivered a statement in which he noted that cooperation between the GCC and ASEAN countries has proven strong and effective in recent years.

He said that both sides share common interests in many vital areas, particularly in light of current global challenges that call for greater solidarity and joint action in food security, energy, the economy and supply chains.

He affirmed Oman's keenness to strengthen its relations with regional and international partners and its genuine desire to build bridges of cooperation with ASEAN countries, with which it shares historic maritime and cultural ties.

Sheikh Khalifa noted that such cooperation contributes to building effective partnerships that enhance economic, cultural and developmental integration between the two blocs. He also referred to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC), which Oman signed with ASEAN in 2022.

He reiterated the centrality of the Palestinian issue and the importance of international efforts to end the Israeli occupation forces' war of extermination on Gaza. He stressed the need to open border crossings to allow humanitarian aid into the Strip, to firmly reject the displacement of Palestinians from Gaza, and to work seriously towards achieving a just and comprehensive peace that leads to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The meeting discussed various topics, including strengthening the economic partnership between the GCC and ASEAN, and cooperation in the fields of security, food, energy and climate change.

It also reviewed the progress in implementing the Joint Declaration issued at the Riyadh Summit, and advancing cooperation in technology, education and culture.

In addition, the meeting prepared for the upcoming joint summit between the GCC, ASEAN and China, scheduled to be held in Kuala Lumpur on May 27.

The meeting forms part of efforts to strengthen relations in a way that serves security, stability and development, supports interregional trade and joint investment, and fosters partnerships in the fields of energy and food, as well as enhancing cultural and educational exchanges.

This is an unofficial English version of an Arabic report. To view the official Arabic text, click here.