Saudi Arabia, Singapore Seek ‘Strategic Partnership’

Saudi Arabia, Singapore Seek ‘Strategic Partnership’

GCC-ASEAN Summit Boosts Economic, Development Ties

Leaders and delegation heads in a commemorative photo ahead of the GCC-ASEAN summit in Riyadh (SPA)

The maiden summit held by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) brought together leaders and representatives from 16 Gulf and Asian nations in Riyadh on Friday to inaugurate a 2024-2028 joint action plan.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz stated that this plan “charts a clear roadmap for collective efforts to enhance cooperation and partnership in various domains, serving mutual interests.”

In remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, experts and researchers acknowledged that the GCC-ASEAN summit accelerated common economic and developmental convergence between the nations of both bodies.

The policies of the participating nations have emphasized development and economics, along with the adoption of balanced political stances.

The GCC-ASEAN summit comes three months after a similar gathering that brought together GCC nations and Central Asian countries in Jeddah.

That summit was hosted by King Salman bin Abdulaziz and looked to enhance cooperation with the aim of activating strategic partnerships regionally and globally, benefiting the citizens of GCC countries and the broader region.

Observers believe that the GCC-ASEAN summit reflects the appreciation of the participating nations for Saudi Arabia’s regional