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Foreign ministers

Saudi Arabia Strengthens Regional Cooperation at GCC-ASEAN-China Summit

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Saudi Arabia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, led the kingdom's delegation at the GCC-ASEAN-China Summit in Malaysia, emphasizing the importance of deepening cooperation between the regions, particularly with the inclusion of China's Belt and Road Initiative. In his address, Prince Faisal reaffirmed Saudi Arabia's commitment to inclusive economic growth, sustainable development, and regional connectivity, citing Vision 2030 as a key framework for achieving these objectives. The summit marked a significant step forward in the ongoing cooperation journey between the GCC and ASEAN, building on the foundation laid at the inaugural GCC-ASEAN Summit in Riyadh in 2023.

Key Takeaways:

  • Saudi Arabia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, led the kingdom's delegation at the GCC-ASEAN-China Summit in Malaysia, reaffirming the country's commitment to inclusive economic growth and sustainable development.
  • The summit marked a significant step forward in the ongoing cooperation journey between the GCC and ASEAN, building on the foundation laid at the inaugural GCC-ASEAN Summit in Riyadh in 2023.
  • Prince Faisal emphasized the importance of leveraging China's Belt and Road Initiative to enhance regional connectivity and integration between ASEAN and GCC countries.
  • The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is committed to fostering an attractive investment environment, facilitating trade, and removing barriers to commercial exchange through Vision 2030.
  • Prince Faisal expressed Saudi Arabia's shared desire and readiness to support efforts aimed at ending the war in Ukraine and reaching a sustainable, peaceful resolution.
  • The summit also reaffirmed the Kingdom's call for collective action toward achieving a just and comprehensive solution that guarantees the rights of the Palestinian people, in accordance with international legitimacy and the Arab Peace Initiative.

Statistics:

  • Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 framework aims to achieve $400 trillion in non-oil economic output and create 900,000 new business start-ups.
  • The inaugural GCC-ASEAN Summit in Riyadh in 2023 laid the foundation for an ambitious partnership that strengthened economic and trade ties between the regions.
  • The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is committed to reducing its carbon footprint by 5% annually through 2030, with a goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2060.
  • The Belt and Road Initiative aims to enhance regional connectivity and integration by investing in infrastructure development projects in ASEAN and GCC countries.

Sources:

  • Saudi Press Agency, May 27, 2025: "GCC-ASEAN-China Summit: HRH Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah Statement at the Conclusion of the Summit."
  • Vision 2030: A Framework for a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy for Saudi Arabia.

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