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Gulf

Riyadh Hosts Landmark GCC-ASEAN Summit

Summit attendees will discuss “ways to enhance relations and expand cooperation into new areas.” (SPA)
Summit attendees will discuss “ways to enhance relations and expand cooperation into new areas.” (SPA)
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Riyadh Hosts Landmark GCC-ASEAN Summit

Summit attendees will discuss “ways to enhance relations and expand cooperation into new areas.” (SPA)
Summit attendees will discuss “ways to enhance relations and expand cooperation into new areas.” (SPA)

A historic maiden summit between Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is set to convene on Friday with full participation from Southeast Asia leaders.

The summit is being held against the backdrop of increasing regional and international interest and competition by major powers in the Southeast Asian region, given its strategic location and significance.

The summit will elevate cooperation and coordination in various areas between the GCC and ASEAN to a “strategic level” and explore new opportunities on multiple fronts.

Leaders attending the summit are slated to discuss ways to enhance and expand cooperation into new and emerging areas, such as green and digital economies, a spokesperson from the Singaporean Foreign Ministry told Asharq Al-Awsat.

Relations between the two regions have gained momentum, with noticeable development and effectiveness.

All GCC member states have signed the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC).

Bahrain was the first Gulf country to join the treaty, signing it in November 2019 in the Thai capital, Bangkok.

Subsequently, other Gulf states followed suit in the past year, emphasizing the importance of cooperation in the Southeast Asian region, particularly as it aligns with the principles of the UN Charter.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan emphasized that “strong relations with the treaty member states will contribute to realizing the aspirations of all countries towards achieving sustainable development goals, enhancing collective efforts, and creating new developmental and economic opportunities for all.”

On Wednesday, leaders and heads of delegations participating at the first ASEAN-GCC summit began arriving in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, in preparation for the summit.

Preceding the event were bilateral meetings with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong was the first to arrive in Riyadh on Wednesday, holding an official discussion session with the Crown Prince.

During the meeting, they reviewed the bilateral relations between the two countries, prospects for cooperation, and opportunities for development in various fields.

They discussed the latest regional and international developments.

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Iranian Official to Asharq Al-Awsat: Committed to Peace and Stability with Saudi Arabia

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)
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Iranian Official to Asharq Al-Awsat: Committed to Peace and Stability with Saudi Arabia

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi reaffirmed Iran and Saudi Arabia’s mutual determination to establish lasting peace and stability in the region.
Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat during his visit to Riyadh, Ravanchi emphasized that achieving this goal requires sustained bilateral and regional cooperation to address current threats and build a foundation for prosperity and security.
During his meetings with the Saudi Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Eng. Waleed ElKhereiji, Ravanchi discussed strengthening bilateral relations in political, economic, and consular fields, and explored key regional and international issues.
He described Saudi-Iranian efforts as a “successful model of bilateral and multilateral cooperation,” aimed at fostering peace, security, and development on both regional and international levels. Ravanchi underscored the importance of historical ties and the principle of good neighborliness as the basis for advancing this relationship.
Following the second meeting of the Saudi-Chinese-Iranian trilateral committee in Riyadh, both Saudi Arabia and Iran reiterated their full commitment to implementing the Beijing Agreement, according to a statement by the Saudi foreign ministry. The accord, mediated by China, aims to restore diplomatic ties and promote mutual respect for sovereignty and security in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and international law.
China praised the progress achieved since the agreement’s signing, including the reopening of embassies and increased bilateral engagement. It pledged to continue supporting Saudi-Iranian efforts to deepen their cooperation and maintain regional stability.
Ravanchi, who previously served as Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations and was a member of the Iranian nuclear negotiating team with the P5+1, described the atmosphere of the meetings as “cordial and transparent.” He added that the three nations exchanged views on topics of mutual interest and stressed the importance of continuing this “positive and forward-looking process.” He also revealed “constructive and friendly” meetings held by the Iranian delegation with their Saudi hosts and Chinese counterparts, during which they discussed enhancing bilateral and trilateral cooperation and reviewed developments in relations over the past year.
One significant development has been the improvement in consular services. Over 87,000 Iranian pilgrims performed Hajj, and more than 52,000 completed Umrah in the past year, demonstrating enhanced coordination. Additionally, the first meeting of the Saudi-Iranian Joint Media Committee and the signing of an MoU between Saudi Arabia’s Prince Saud Al-Faisal Institute for Diplomatic Studies and Iran’s Institute for Political and International Studies further strengthened institutional ties.
The trilateral meeting also tackled pressing regional challenges, particularly the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The participants condemned Israel’s aggression in Palestine, Lebanon, and Iran, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the continuation of humanitarian aid to affected regions. They warned that ongoing violence poses significant risks to regional and global security, including threats to maritime safety.
On Yemen, the parties reiterated their support for a comprehensive political solution under United Nations auspices. They emphasized the importance of dialogue and diplomacy to achieve lasting peace in the war-torn country.
Saudi-Iranian relations have undergone a remarkable transformation since the signing of the Beijing Agreement. The reopening of embassies, including Iran’s embassy in Riyadh in June after a seven-year hiatus, marked a turning point in their ties.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Consular Affairs Alireza Bigdeli described the day as a “historic milestone” in Saudi-Iranian relations. He expressed confidence that the renewed relationship would reach its peak, emphasizing that the restoration of ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia opens a new chapter in bilateral and regional relations, aimed at greater cooperation and stability.