Kuala Lumpur (TDI): Amid escalating global challenges, China, the Association of Southeast Asian Nation, and the Gulf Cooperation Council states on Tuesday agreed to boost cross-regional cooperation.
According to a joint statement released after a landmark trilateral summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the relevant nations appreciated their joint efforts to advance closer collaboration among China, ASEAN, and GCC and promote China’s vision to build a closer ASEAN-China community and a China-Arab community with a shared future in the new era.
They recognize the need to boost confidence in the rules-based multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organization (WTO) at its core and reaffirm their resolve to make economic globalization more open, inclusive, balanced and beneficial to their peoples and coming generations, the statement read.
On the occasion, Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister affirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to backing long-term, inclusive, and sustainable economic development that includes all segments of society and preserves environmental balance.
Speaking at the summit, Prince Faisal bin Farhan said that the kingdom wants to accelerate the transition to low-carbon, clean, and renewable energy, and to leverage Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to support regional connectivity and integration between ASEAN and GCC nations.
Read More: Tashkent to host First Central Asia – GCC Think Tank Forum
He added that Saudi Arabia also wanted to develop the digital economy by empowering startups, enhancing public-private partnerships, and increasing exchange programs among countries to build resilient economies that foster innovation and inclusiveness.
Read More: China’s Visa-Free Policy Attracts ASEAN Tourists
Prince Faisal explained that Saudi Arabia, through its Vision 2030 reform program, was committed to creating an attractive investment environment, facilitating trade, and removing obstacles to commercial exchange.
