00:00On behalf of the government, the people of Malaysia and of course ASEAN, I'm honored to welcome all of you to Kuala Lumpur for the second ASEAN GCC Summit.
00:21It is indeed a profound privilege for us in Malaysia and ASEAN and for me to co-chair with My Highness Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Kuwait.
00:36The summit, to give credit, the foundation of the summit was laid during the inaugural summit in Riyadh in 2023.
00:46And your presence is a testament to our shared commitment to foster strong bonds.
00:58The theme for ASEAN this year is inclusivity and sustainability.
01:04And we proceed with the ASEAN GCC Framework of Cooperation 24 to 2028.
01:15which was adopted at the inaugural summit.
01:21Now, GCC was ASEAN's seventh-largest trading partner in 2023 with USD$130.7 billion.
01:34Growing investment, reflecting confidence in both GCC and ASEAN.
01:43As I had referred to last night, ASEAN, Alhamdulillah, happens to be the most peaceful region and economically vibrant and dynamic.
01:55GCC also, as I said, made that major paradigm shift from a gloomy desert culture to a vibrant, promising dynamic economically
02:15with the latest state-of-the-art, new technology, digital, and AI expertise.
02:24So, ASEAN-GCC relationship will certainly be key in enhancing inter-regional collaboration,
02:36building resilience, and securing sustainable prosperity for all.
02:42Now, today's deliberations will be crucial in ensuring that our partnership remains dynamic, responsive, and impactful.
02:51We have the means and responsibility to rise as anchors of stability and engines for future growth.
03:01I look forward to a meaningful exchange of views that will pave the way for tangible initiatives under our growing and enduring partnership.
03:11Your Highness and Your Majesty, may I conclude by saying that this is, in our experience in this region, quite extraordinary.
03:23To be able to bring not only ASEAN leaders, but the most dynamic GCC countries into this region to work together, build on trust, cooperation, and true friendship.
Comments