In another context, HE Ambassador of Malaysia to the State of Qatar Mohammad Faizal Razali said that the ASEAN-GCC-China Summit stands as a significant milestone in ASEAN’s engagement with external partners, as this trilateral gathering unites three of the world’s most vibrant regions - Southeast Asia, the Gulf, and China - at a time when global economic uncertainty and strategic competition are intensifying.

His Excellency noted that the Summit will focus on strengthening economic resilience and shared prosperity, complementing ongoing cooperation in areas such as trade and investment, energy, agriculture, food security, capacity building, and connectivity development.

Potential collaboration among ASEAN, the GCC, and China spans a wide range of economic and strategic sectors. Key priorities include deepening economic cooperation to enable smoother flows of capital, goods, and services, as well as supporting market access across the three regions.

There is also a strong focus on creating synergies to foster long-term economic growth, sustainability, and resilience, particularly through advancing the energy transition. This includes the development of low-carbon and clean energy technologies, improving energy efficiency, and expanding renewable and alternative energy sources—areas that are especially important for ASEAN, His Excellency said.

His Excellency also touched on the inaugural ASEAN-GCC Summit which was held in Riyadh in 2023, marking a historic milestone in relations between the two blocs. He noted that a Joint Statement was adopted to set the stage for enhancing and expanding their partnership. This framework aims to leverage growth opportunities through closer cooperation, guided by shared aspirations for the future and the principles of the United Nations Charter.

He added that the Leaders welcomed the ASEAN-GCC Framework of Cooperation (FOC/ 2024-2028), which outlines measures and cooperation activities to be jointly undertaken by ASEAN and the GCC in the areas of common interest and for mutual benefit.

  The Ambassador also said that the 2nd ASEAN-GCC Summit in Kuala Lumpur is poised to emphasize the expansion and deepening of cooperation between ASEAN and the GCC across a range of priority areas such as strengthening economic partnerships, improving market access, and ensuring the smooth flow of goods, services, and investments. Enhanced collaboration in fields such as energy, infrastructure, food security, and technology are anticipated, building on the progress achieved at the first summit in Riyadh in 2023.

Regarding cultural and educational collaboration between Malaysia and Qatar, this sector has seen encouraging growth over the years driven by our shared values, strong people-to-people ties, and a mutual dedication to advancing intellectual and cultural exchange.

  In the realm of education, there is an increasing number of Qatari students who are choosing Malaysia for their higher education, drawn by the quality and diversity of academic institutions in Malaysia. At the same time, universities and colleges from both nations are pursuing joint research initiatives, faculty exchanges, and student mobility programs, His Excellency explained.

These collaborative efforts not only raise educational standards but also support the development of a knowledge-driven economy in both countries, through various bilateral agreements and memoranda of understanding between both countries’ universities, he added.

On the cultural front, both countries have actively worked to enhance understanding and appreciation of each other’s rich traditions. This is evident through participation in cultural exhibitions, film festivals, and traditional performances, all of which have fostered closer connections and deepened mutual respect between two communities, he said.

In another context, the Malaysian Ambassador to Qatar said that the primary focus of the ASEAN-GCC-China Summit is to review the Framework of Cooperation (FOC) for 2024–2028. Accordingly, discussions are anticipated to encompass a broad range of areas, including political and security collaboration, economic and investment partnerships, tourism, energy, food and agricultural security, as well as social and cultural cooperation.

Concluding his interview with Qatar News Agency (QNA), HE Ambassador of Malaysia to the State of Qatar Mohammad Faizal Razali said that the Malaysia-GCC Free Trade Agreement is expected to be officially launched at the summit through a Joint Statement between Malaysia and the GCC. This FTA is poised to serve as a pivotal instrument in strengthening economic ties between Malaysia and the GCC, establishing a foundation for sustained and mutually advantageous cooperation. It will also facilitate increased trade and investment flows and broaden economic engagement beyond traditional sectors. 

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