Mashable: Leaders took part in a joint summit of the Gulf Co-operation Council and the Association of South-East Asian Nations

The Saudi capital, Riyadh hosts the inaugural Gulf Cooperation Council-Association of Southeast Asian Nations (GCC-ASEAN) today.

On Friday, October 20, 2023, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman chaired the first summit between GCC countries and ASEAN.

Today Saudi Crown Prince received the Summit leaders including the UAE President, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and discussed the steady development and deepening relations between the two regional organizations.

The discussions were aimed at the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries looking forward to strengthening ties with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince gave the opening speech at the GCC-ASEAN summit in Riyadh saying, “We look forward to strengthening relations with ASEAN nations.”

”We stress the significance of preparing the groundwork for attaining lasting peace and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state within the 1967 borders.” HRH the Crown Prince's speech at the opening of the GCC-ASEAN Summit. pic.twitter.com/dX2V3SSYHQ

— CIC Saudi Arabia (@CICSaudi) October 20, 2023
The GCC-ASEAN Summit which was chaired by the Saudi Crown Prince also issued a statement calling all parties to implement a permanent ceasefire and condemn the attacks against the innocent Gaza civilians.

The summit which begins today is also aimed at providing a platform where GCC and ASEAN leaders can discuss things and ways to boost partnerships and exchange important views on mutual interest.

Among the key outcomes, the GCC-ASEAN Summit 2023 is expected to help form a joint statement on a framework of cooperation for 2024-2028.

The GCC countries comprise Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Oman, the UAE, and Oman, while the ASEAN bloc consists of Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Brunei Darussalam, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos, and the Philippines.