New Delhi: The Committee of Permanent Representatives to ASEAN and Gulf Cooperation Council Ambassadors’ Council Ambassadors’ Council held their first meeting at the ASEAN Secretariat Wednesday. The meeting, held at the ASEAN Headquarters, saw discussions on the progress of the ASEAN-GCC Framework of Cooperation (FOC) 2024-2028 and the exploration of new initiatives for mutual benefit, an ASEAN press release stated.
According to the release, both sides exchanged perspectives on developments in their respective regions and emphasized potential areas for cooperation. ASEAN encouraged the GCC’s support in implementing the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific, particularly in countering terrorism, violent extremism, transnational crime, and cybercrime.
Recognizing the potential for economic growth, the meeting highlighted cooperation in trade and investment, including the possibility of a region-to-region free trade agreement. Other focus areas included digital transformation, agriculture, food security, infrastructure, halal industry, renewable energy, water security, blue economy, logistics, MSMEs, finance, and tourism.
ASEAN requested GCC support for ASEAN centers of excellence and encouraged GCC collaboration in implementing the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity 2025 and the Initiative for ASEAN Integration Work Plan IV 2021-2025.
The meeting also stressed the importance of private sector engagement and agreed to connect the Federation of GCC Chambers with the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) to explore trade and investment opportunities.