Kuala Lumpur: The Sultanate of Oman attended a GCC-ASEAN ministerial conference in Kuala Lumpur today to prepare for the GCC-ASEAN Summit.
Oman's delegation to the conference was headed by Sheikh Khalifa Ali Al Harthy, Undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry for Political Affairs.
Al Harthy gave a speech in which he stated that collaboration between the GCC and ASEAN countries has proven successful in recent years, particularly in light of current global challenges that need greater solidarity and joint action in the fields of food security, energy, the economy, and supply chains.
Al Harthy reiterated the Sultanate of Oman's desire to strengthen ties with regional and global partners and establish bridges of collaboration with ASEAN countries. He stated that Oman has long-standing historical and marine links with ASEAN members. This, he believes, will improve economic, cultural, and development integration.
He underlined the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC) established between the Sultanate of Oman and ASEAN nations.
In his address, Al Harthy emphasized the importance of the Palestinian cause, as well as the need for coordinated international action to halt the Israeli genocide in the Gaza Strip, open border crossings for humanitarian supplies, and firmly oppose the relocation of Palestinians from the Strip.
He also emphasized the necessity of achieving a just and comprehensive peace that would lead to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, with Al Quds A'Sharqiyah (East Jerusalem) as its capital.
The conference reviewed preparations for the next GCC-ASEAN-China summit, which will be held in Kuala Lumpur on May 27, 2025.
Today's meeting was held as part of efforts to strengthen ties between the two regions in order to promote security, stability, and development, as well as to promote interregional trade and joint investment, create energy and food sector partnerships, and improve cultural and educational connections between people.
