Foreign Minister attends GCC-ASEAN summit preparatory meeting
Kuala Lumpur, May 25 (BNA): Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs, participated in the ministerial preparatory meeting for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit, scheduled for May 27 in Kuala Lumpur.
The meeting was chaired by Abdullah Ali Al Yahya, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Kuwait and current Chair of the GCC Ministerial Council; and Enrique Manalo, Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines and ASEAN’s coordinator with the GCC.
The meeting was attended by Jassim Mohammed Al Budaiwi, Secretary General of the GCC; and Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary General of the ASEAN.
Dr. Al Zayani emphasised that the meeting builds on the outcomes of the inaugural GCC-ASEAN Summit hosted in Riyadh in 2023, which contributed to strengthening political dialogue and cooperation in key sectors such as energy, investment, food security, education, and digital transformation.
He welcomed the initiative to hold a first trilateral summit between the GCC, ASEAN, and the People's Republic of China, noting its importance in enhancing multilateral partnerships in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
Dr. Al Zayani underlined the Kingdom of Bahrain’s commitment to dialogue, diplomacy, and mutual respect under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the directives of the government led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. He noted Bahrain’s signing of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Asia in 2019 as a testament to this commitment.
He added that these principles will guide Bahrain’s approach during its non-permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council for 2026–2027, expressing appreciation for Asian support for Bahrain’s candidacy.
He also underscored the Kingdom belief that constructive cooperation and strong partnerships are essential foundations for progress, adding that the GCC and ASEAN serve as pillars of regional stability and a model for deepening cooperation in support of peace, security, and prosperity.
The minister emphasised the importance of a just and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian issue, the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages and detainees, and the delivery of full humanitarian aid.
The ministers reviewed topics on the agenda, including progress on the 2024–2028 GCC-ASEAN joint cooperation framework.
Bahrain’s delegation included Dr. Waleed Khalifa Al Manea, Bahraini Ambassador to Malaysia; Ambassador Mohammed Abdulrahman Al Haidan, Acting Chief of the GCC Affairs Sector; and Ambassador Saeed Abdul Khaliq Saeed, Director of the Coordination and Follow-up.
