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Look: UAE President meets GCC, Asean leaders in Saudi Arabia as summit marks 'new phase of cooperation'

The summit is aimed at providing a platform where GCC and Asean leaders can discuss ways to boost partnerships and exchange views on matters of mutual interest

Published: Fri 20 Oct 2023, 11:08 AM

Updated: Fri 20 Oct 2023, 10:35 PM

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The President, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, on Friday flew to the Saudi capital Riyadh, leading the UAE delegation to the joint summit of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean). The summit begins today in the Kingdom.

Delivering a speech at the summit, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed reiterated the UAE's call for an immediate ceasefire and end to the Israel-Palestine hostilities.

"Today, as we assemble, our region faces a grave conflict, and the toll and risks associated with it amplify daily, especially in humanitarian terms," he said.

The UAE President stressed that priority should be given to protecting civilians and opening humanitarian corridors for the transportation of medical and relief aid to the Gaza Strip.

Collective efforts, he added, are necessary to achieve peace in the region.

Respect for Asean countries

Sheikh Mohamed expressed his gratitude to Saudi leaders for bringing the two major intergovernment organisations together.

"At the GCC-ASEAN Summit in Riyadh, partners affirmed the enduring importance of international cooperation and integration. I thank King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for convening this Summit to strengthen ties with ASEAN nations," he wrote on X.

During the event, the UAE President met GCC and Asean leaders. Here's a photo he shared on social media platform X.

The summit marked a new phase of cooperation between the GCC and Asean, Sheikh Mohamed said.

This collaboration is especially significant given the close ties between the two sides and the myriad of opportunities to enhance shared interests, particularly in developmental sectors.

The GCC and ASEAN share a collective will to advance relations in the coming period, he pointed out. This sentiment is embodied by the joint action plan for 2024-2028, which encompasses political, economic, commercial, investment, and other domains.

"Today, the world faces serious challenges ranging from supply chain disruptions, energy and food security, climate change, and pandemics to various conflicts and disputes," he noted, stressing that international cooperation is key to building trust, resolving disputes, and establishing global peace and stability.

Sheikh Mohamed also noted the UAE's role in hosting the upcoming UN Climate Change Conference (COP28) later this year, adding that the country is looking forward to Asean countries' participation in this collective endeavour for the betterment of humanity.

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