Malaysian PM Datuk Anwar Ibraim (left) and Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah (fourth from left) in a group photo with Asean and GCC Heads of State and Government prior to the Asean-GCC Summit. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (Borneo Bulletin/ANN): Brunei King Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah has expressed deep concern over the recent escalation of violence in Palestine, and urged all parties to cease violence, exercise maximum restraint and uphold international humanitarian law to prevent its potential spread across the region.
In his speech at the Asean-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit held at the Ritz Carlton, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, His Majesty also called on the international community and the UN (United Nations) Security Council to facilitate efforts in achieving a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in the Middle East, including resolving the decades-long plight of the Palestinian people.
Accompanying His Majesty was His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen.
Sultan Hassanal was greeted on arrival at the Ritz Carlton by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia.
His Majesty in the titah also highlighted the longstanding cultural and historical ties between ASEAN and the GCC, and serves as a strong foundation for close partnership between the two regions.
As responsible members of the global community, His Majesty emphasised the importance of jointly addressing challenges such as climate change and looked forward to working together, through the Asean Centre for Climate Change, to find innovative solutions
and long-term strategies for the region.
In this regard, His Majesty expressed appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s interest in signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Centre; and congratulated the UAE on its leadership role at the upcoming 28th Conference of Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and in issuing the first Global Stocktake report.
The Assean-GCC Summit began with welcoming remarks by the Co-Chairs, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia; and Joko Widodo, President of the Republic of Indonesia and ASEAN Chair for 2023.
Summit discussions were focused on the future direction of Asean-GCC cooperation as well as on regional and international issues of common concern.
At the Summit’s conclusion, the Joint Statement of the Summit of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (Asean) and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and the ASEANGCC Statement on the Developments in Gaza were issued. In addition, the Asean-Gulf Cooperation Council Framework of Cooperation 2024-2028 was noted.
His Majesty also attended an Official Luncheon to celebrate Asean-GCC Heads of State and Government as well as delegations. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
