In a statement released on 28 May 2025, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia announced its key takeaways from the Second ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit and the ASEAN-GCC-China Summit held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, attended the summit alongside other ASEAN leaders. The event aimed to review progress on implementing the ASEAN-GCC Framework of Cooperation (2024-2028) and discuss future directions for addressing challenges and seizing emerging opportunities.
The Leaders emphasized the importance of increasing trade and investment flows between ASEAN and the GCC, with a focus on strengthening business community linkages. A feasibility study of establishing an ASEAN-GCC Free Trade Agreement was also discussed, highlighting the potential benefits of expanded markets, enhanced connectivity in goods, services, and investments, and harmonized standards.
The Prime Minister stressed that trade and investment are critical to promoting inclusive and long-term economic growth, as well as enhancing the competitiveness and productivity of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The Leaders identified complementary areas between ASEAN and the GCC, particularly in strategic sectors like energy security, including ASEAN Power Grid and halal industries.
The summit also addressed regional and global issues, with an emphasis on maintaining peace, stability, and prosperity. Samdech Thipadei Prime Minister called for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, full adherence to international humanitarian law, and support for a two-state solution based on international law and relevant UN resolutions.
In the context of China's growing role in ASEAN development, the Prime Minister proposed expediting efforts towards establishing a comprehensive ASEAN-GCC Free Trade Agreement. He commended substantial progress in the upgrading of the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area 3.0 and looked forward to its signing later this year.
China's inclusion in this trilateral initiative is expected to enhance its impact and strategic importance, with potential benefits in areas such as energy transition, digital trade, fintech, and emerging sectors. Samdech Thipadei Prime Minister highlighted the significance of harnessing advanced technologies to support these initiatives.
The summit marked a crucial step towards building a resilient, inclusive, and future-ready partnership between ASEAN, the GCC, and China. This cooperation model holds potential benefits for regional development and could serve as a model for ASEAN's growing engagement with external partners under the Global ASEAN agenda.
Bilateral meetings were also held on the sidelines of the summit, strengthening ties between Cambodia and its regional counterparts. The Prime Minister exchanged views on matters of common interest and discussed business, trade, and investment opportunities with private sector representatives.
The outcomes of the Second ASEAN-GCC Summit and the ASEAN-GCC-China Summit underscore the importance of regional cooperation in addressing global challenges and promoting sustainable growth.
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Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
N° 3, Samdech HUN Sen Street, Tel: (855) 23 216 122
Sangkat Tonle Bassac, Khan Chamkarmon
Fax: _(855) 23 216 141, 023 213 341
Email: <mfaic@mfaic.gov.kh>
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