Saudi Arabia and ASEAN-GCC ministers discuss expanding economic, trade, investment and development cooperation, with both sides seeking to convert their growing partnership into practical projects and initiatives.
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan participated in a joint ministerial meeting between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in New York, where officials discussed strengthening the partnership and expanding cooperation across several sectors.
The meeting was held on today, on the sidelines of the high-level week of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. Ministers reviewed developments in GCC-ASEAN relations and assessed progress in the partnership between the two regional blocs.
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Discussions focused on ways to translate existing cooperation into practical projects and initiatives that can support shared interests. Economic, trade, investment and development cooperation were among the key areas considered during the meeting.
The ministers also highlighted the importance of maintaining regular coordination and consultations on regional and international issues of common concern. The discussions form part of broader efforts by the GCC and ASEAN to expand institutional and economic links between the Gulf and Southeast Asia.
The ASEAN-GCC partnership has been developing under the ASEAN-GCC Framework of Cooperation for 2024-2028. Earlier discussions between the two sides identified areas including the digital economy, artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, cyber security, renewable energy, healthcare, agriculture, water and food security, tourism and the halal industry as potential fields for deeper cooperation.
Economic cooperation remains a central component of the relationship. The two blocs have previously discussed the possibility of establishing an ASEAN-GCC Free Trade Agreement, alongside measures to strengthen supply chain links, digital transformation and private-sector engagement.
The latest ministerial meeting was co-chaired by Singapore Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan and Bahrain Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani. It also provided an opportunity to review preparations for the next phase of the ASEAN-GCC partnership and discuss regional and international developments.
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Both sides have emphasized the importance of moving beyond dialogue toward concrete initiatives that can generate economic and development opportunities. Cooperation between businesses, government institutions and other stakeholders is expected to remain an important component of the partnership.
The meeting comes as GCC and ASEAN countries continue to expand engagement across economic, investment, technology and development sectors, while maintaining consultations on wider regional and international issues.