Oman Participates in GCC-ASEAN Ministerial Meeting in
Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur, 25 May (ONA) — The Sultanate of Oman today
took part in a GCC-ASEAN ministerial meeting, held in Kuala Lumpur in
preparation for the GCC-ASEAN Summit.

Oman’s delegation to the meeting was led by Sheikh
Khalifa Ali Al Harthy, Undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry for Political
Affairs.

Al Harthy delivered a speech in which
he said that that cooperation between the GCC and ASEAN countries proved to be
effective over the past few years, notably within the context of current global
challenges that require greater solidarity and joint action in the areas of
food security, energy, the economy and supply chains.

Al Harthy affirmed the Sultanate of
Oman’s keenness to consolidate ties with its regional and international
partners and build bridges of cooperation with ASEAN countries. He explained
that Oman shares long-standing historical and maritime relationships with
ASEAN countries. This, he observed, will contribute to better economic,
cultural, and developmental integration.

He laid emphasis on the Treaty of
Amity and Cooperation (TAC) that was signed by the
Sultanate of Oman and ASEAN countries.

In his speech, Al Harthy highlighted
the significance of of the Palestinian cause and the importance of concerted
international efforts to halt the Israeli war of genocide on the Gaza
Strip, open border crossings for the supply of humanitarian aid and to firmly
oppose the displacement of Palestinians from the Strip.

He also underlined the importance of
achieving a just and comprehensive peace that leads to the establishment of an
independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders, with Al Quds A’Sharqiyah (East
Jerusalem) as its capital.

The meeting reviewed preparations for the
upcoming GCC-ASEAN-China summit scheduled to be held in Kuala Lumpur on 27 May
2025.Today’s meeting was held within the framework of effots to boost relations between the two regions to serve security, stability, and development, in addition to supporting inter-regional trade and joint investment, building partnerships in the energy and food sectors and enhancing cultural and educational communication between peoples.— Ends/Bishara/AG