ASEAN, Gulf nations, China vow to boost economic integration, connectivity, focus on innovation

ISTANBUL

Southeast Asian and Gulf nations, along with China, agreed to strengthen economic integration, boost connectivity, and focus on innovation and digital transformation during their inaugural trilateral summit in Kuala Lumpur, according to a joint statement released Wednesday.

Malaysia hosted the summit on Tuesday in its capital, bringing together representatives from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and China.

The three sides committed to promoting sustainable development, free trade, and cross-sector cooperation in industries such as the digital and green economy and technology and finance.

They also agreed to enhance connectivity through infrastructure development and further collaboration under China’s Belt and Road Initiative. On energy, the statement emphasized sustainable and inclusive transitions, with a focus on innovation in clean energy technologies.

The statement said the three sides expressed their support for digital transformation, fostering innovation in artificial intelligence (AI), fintech, and digital skills, as well as cooperation in food and agriculture.

During the summit, China also announced that it has granted visa-free entry for all Gulf nations in a bid to further facilitate people-to-people exchanges.

The three sides also condemned “all attacks against civilians” in the besieged Palestinian enclave of Gaza and called for a lasting cease-fire.

They also urged “the most effective and efficient access” for humanitarian aid to Gaza and acknowledged the Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice, which called for “precise modalities and further action” to end “as rapidly as possible” Israel’s unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.