By Anadolu staff
Leaders in the Gulf and Southeast Asia agreed Friday to strengthen ties in different sectors including trade, security, climate, tourism, science and sports.
A statement issued following the first summit of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Saudi Arabia said the two blocs declared efforts to promote peace, security, stability and prosperity, through mutual respect and cooperation between countries and regions to achieve development and progress.
The summit was co-chaired by Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Indonesian President Joko Widodo. It was attended by leaders from member countries from both blocs.
Saudi Arabia announced it will host the first GCC-ASEAN Economic and Investment Conference in Riyadh in 2024.
The blocs agreed to hold a GCC-ASEAN summit every two years and welcomed the candidacy of Saudi Arabia to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, and said GCC and ASEAN countries can play a role in hosting major sporting events.
The summit also welcomed Saudi Arabia’s bid to host Expo 2030 in Riyadh and Qatar hosting the International Horticultural EXPO 2023.
GCC members are among the world’s largest producers of crude oil.
A look at economic indicators shows GCC imports from ASEAN countries make up 6% of the Arab bloc while exports to the Southeast Asian regional bloc were on the rise -- mainly because of crude and plastic polymers.
Investments by the GCC in the ASEAN region have been $14 billion with 75% of the share from United Arab Emirates investors.
A large Muslim population in Southeast Asia has been one of the most attractive aspects for GCC nations as Arab investors have shown a keen interest in ASEAN’s food and beverage sector.
*Writing by Islamuddin Sajid