Kuala Lumpur: The Prime Minister delivered a statement at the 2nd ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council Summit, proposing the “3Ps” framework to enhance cooperation for prosperity, people, and the environment. The Prime Minister called for a ceasefire from all parties in the Gaza Strip, supporting the two-state approach for stable peace.
According to Thai News Agency, the Prime Minister attended the summit at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Center, alongside leaders and representatives from ASEAN member states and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Notable attendees included His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Bahrain, and other distinguished leaders from the GCC region.
The Prime Minister emphasized the significance of expanding inter-regional cooperation to address geopolitical tensions and vulnerabilities in global supply chains. The “3Ps” framework proposed by the Prime Minister includes cooperation for prosperity, focusing on enhancing economic cooperation, trade, and investment. This involves linking business sectors in both regions, especially in industries like halal, clean energy, and food security, alongside establishing an ASEAN-GCC Business Forum and exploring a free trade agreement (FTA).
Cooperation for the people involves promoting tangible collaboration through personnel exchanges in fields such as tourism, medicine, and health. The Prime Minister suggested organizing joint activities to encourage travel and cultural exchanges between the regions.
Regarding cooperation for the planet, the Prime Minister highlighted the need for ASEAN and GCC to address climate change collaboratively. Thailand is ready to contribute by promoting knowledge exchange and technological cooperation, suggesting a partnership between the ASEAN Centre for Sustainable Development Studies and Dialogue in Bangkok and relevant GCC agencies.
The Prime Minister also expressed concern over the situation in the Gaza Strip, urging ceasefire negotiations and a hostage exchange agreement to facilitate humanitarian assistance. Thailand reaffirms its support for the Two-State Solution and acknowledged the cooperation in the safe return of Thais earlier this year.
In conclusion, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of promoting ASEAN-GCC cooperation through practical actions and continuous dialogue among leaders to ensure stable and sustainable development in both regions. The meeting resulted in the approval of two key documents: the Joint Statement of the Second Summit of ASEAN and the Gulf Cooperation Council and the Joint Declaration on Economic Cooperation. These documents are poised to strengthen Thailand’s relations and cooperation with ASEAN member states and external partners, aligning with government policies on safety, connectivity, and climate change.