Deputy PM attends ASEAN-GCC Ministerial Meeting in Jakarta

Bui called on ASEAN and the GCC countries to strengthen relations to promote peace and stability and uphold multilateralism and a rules-based international order.

With huge cooperation potential, both sides should accelerate the implementation of the ASEAN-GCC Framework of Cooperation (2024-2028) by identifying key focus areas for each phase to optimize available resources, noted the diplomat.

Accordingly, the two blocs can select annual priority areas that are complementary and aligned with their shared interests, such as trade and investment, connectivity, digital transformation, energy and the Halal economy, told the Vietnamese official.

Remarkably, connectivity plays a pivotal role in unlocking new flows of goods, investment capital, and human resource between the two regions, which have a population of 750 million and a combined GDP of over US$5 trillion, Bui stressed.

He suggested that cooperation mechanisms need to be further improved, with priority given to enhancing the effectiveness of coordination between the two Secretariats and between the ASEAN Committee of Permanent Representatives and the GCC ambassadors in Jakarta.

ASEAN and the GCC should play a pioneering role in enhancing dialogue and multilateralism, supporting a rules-based international order, and advocating the peaceful settlement of disputes, emphasized Bui.

Viet Nam remains steadfast to its consistent stance of supporting peace and stability in the Middle East and is committed to promoting diplomatic efforts and dialogue to achieve a just and sustainable solution in accordance with international law and relevant United Nations resolutions./.