Latest news with #SabahKhaledAl-HamadAl-Sabah
Arab Times
4 days ago
- Politics
- Arab Times
KUWAIT AMIR PRESIDES OVER DEFENSE COUNCIL
KUWAIT CITY, June 24: His Highness the Amir and Supreme Commander of Kuwait Armed Forces Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah on Tuesday presided over the meeting of the Supreme Defense Council in the presence of His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah to follow up the latest regional developments. During the meeting, His Highness the Amir was briefed on all the efforts exerted by the concerned authorities in the country, their coordination, the extent of their readiness, and the high level of preparedness among various sectors to deal with any emergency. His Highness instructed all concerned parties to take the necessary measures and precautions to maintain national security and stability. In a related development, His Highness the Amir on Monday evening called Amir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in the aftermath of the missile attack launched by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on Al-Udeid air base. During the telephone call, His Highness the Amir voiced Kuwait's emphatic denunciation of this aggression; as it is a clear breach of the sovereignty and airspace of Qatar, as well as the international law and the United Nations Charter. His Highness reiterated that the State of Kuwait totally stands side by side the Qatari leadership, government and people; and fully supports all measures and decisions the latter is taking to safeguard its sovereignty, security and stability. He also affirmed that Kuwait is ready to use its capabilities and resources to support the State of Qatar, stressing that Qatar's security and stability are an integral part of Kuwait's security and stability. Meanwhile, the Amir of Qatar expressed deep gratitude and appreciation to His Highness the Amir; wishing His Highness good health and the State of Kuwait and its people progress and development. Moreover, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah on Monday chaired the meeting of the Supreme Defense Council at Bayan Palace, with His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah in attendance. The council condemned the attack on Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar; describing it as a blatant violation of Qatari sovereignty and airspace, in addition to the international law and the UN Charter. It also reviewed the major efforts that Kuwait exerted in various sectors to deal with potential emergencies, stressing that the country is fully prepared for emergencies and there is a high level of coordination among the relevant authorities. The Civil Defense Committee also held a meeting on Monday, chaired by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah, to enhance preparedness in view of the recent regional developments. In a press statement, the committee revealed that the meeting took place at the Crisis and Disaster Management Center in Nawaf Al-Ahmad Building. Acting Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior Major General Ali Al-Adwani and 32 representatives of various government institutions attended the meeting. During the meeting, Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef stressed the need to 'maintain maximum level of readiness and work in a spirit of unity, as the current phase requires collective national efforts and enhanced field and information coordination among all relevant entities.' They discussed the operational mechanisms of specialized field evacuation and shelter teams, emphasizing the importance of strengthening effective communication among concerned authorities. They stressed the need to unify efforts within an integrated system that ensures swift response and the highest level of coordination in crisis and emergency management. They also underscored the need to activate early warning systems and unified control centers to expedite decisionmaking and resource allocation in order to reinforce national readiness and achieve the highest standards of safety and stability. The committee stated that Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef called on all participating bodies to 'continue conducting joint exercises, updating databases, and intensifying qualification and training programs in line with the best international practices in crisis management.' Furthermore, Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah Al-Yahya said on Monday evening that the State of Kuwait absolutely stands with Qatar, its leadership, government and people in facing threats to its security and stability. In a statement to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), Al-Yahya disclosed that he contacted Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad bin Abdulrahman to express Kuwait's official and public support for everything that will safeguard the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of Qatar. He added that the State of Kuwait, as per the directive of the political leadership, puts all its capabilities and resources at the disposal of Qatar out of belief in the 'same destiny and coherence of the Gulf house.' He also confirmed the commitment to maintain regional stability and safeguard its assets. He asserted that Qatar's security is an integral part of Kuwait's security, indicating that such times require a further consolidation of bonds of cooperation and solidarity in dealing with common challenges. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued an official statement on Sunday strongly condemning the attacks on Al-Udeid air base in Qatar. The ministry described the attacks as a serious escalation that undermines regional peace, security and stability. It emphasized that the State of Kuwait stands with Qatar's leadership, government and people and backs all measures it is taking to safeguard its sovereignty, security and stability; including its right to direct response in a way that aligns with this blatant aggression. It added that Kuwait is ready to harness all its potential and capabilities to support Qatar, while reiterating that Qatar's security and stability is an integral part of Kuwait's security and stability. While commending the Qatari defense systems' interception of this missile attack, the ministry reiterated Kuwait's call for halting regional military operations and conflict spillover due to the Israeli occupation attacks. It also underscored the necessity of unifying efforts and promoting regional and international coordination to settle mattes in a diplomatic manner. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) announced on Monday the temporary closure of the country's airspace, as a precautionary measure to ensure its security and safety, in light of similar precautionary steps taken by several neighboring countries. In a statement, the DGCA pointed out 'the relevant authorities affirm that this decision is part of efforts to maintain the highest levels of safety and security amid recent regional developments.' It confirmed that it is fully coordinating with the competent authorities locally and internationally to monitor developments and take all necessary measures. It then urged travelers and airlines to closely monitor official updates and to cooperate with the relevant authorities in implementing this decision. The DGCA announced later that air traffic at Kuwait International Airport has returned to normal, following the stabilization of the airspace surrounding the country. According to data from Flight Radar, 15 flights were diverted to neighboring airports, most of which were to Jeddah and Cairo airports, before flights resumed normal operations at the end of the temporary suspension period. The directorate explained that the temporary closure, which lasted for approximately two hours, led to the delay and cancellation of a number of flights. These flights were rescheduled to depart at later times or return to Kuwait International Airport. It stated that the decisions taken affirm its commitment to ensure the highest standards of safety and security in Kuwaiti airspace, and are based on careful assessments conducted by specialized teams in cooperation with relevant local and international authorities. It praised the passengers and airlines for their understanding and cooperation during the past period, stressing that the safety of everyone and the State of Kuwait was and remains a top priority and will not be compromised. On the other hand, the Kuwaiti Army General Staff denied rumors spread on some social media platforms regarding a missile attack on a military airbase, affirming that 'Kuwait's sovereignty remains safe from any violation or attack'. In a press statement, the Army General Staff urged everyone to obtain news from credible and official sources, and to refrain from believing or spreading misinformation on social media. On the other hand, the Ministry of Social Affairs confirmed the stability of the strategic stock of basic food commodities in cooperative societies throughout the country, stressing that there is no cause for concern amid the current regional situation. In a press release, the ministry stated that cooperative societies continue to operate regularly and all commodities are available in sufficient quantities. It affirmed that strategic and alternative plans are in place to ensure stability of the local market and availability of commodities under various circumstances. It highlighted ongoing monitoring and coordination with relevant authorities to meet the needs of citizens and residents. The Ministry of Health reassured the public that the healthcare system and its staff are fully prepared, based on well-studied rapid response plans to ensure everyone's safety, in full cooperation and coordination with the relevant official institutions. The Ministry of Information emphasized the importance of local media outlets in maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and credibility. In a statement issued Monday evening, the ministry stressed the need for accuracy in reporting and broadcasting news. It urged all media institutions to refrain from spreading rumors or publishing unreliable information, warning of the negative impact such actions could have on societal security. Kuwait General Administration of Customs (KGAC) confirmed its full readiness 24/7 at all customs locations at full capacity. The administration explained that the documentation departments are working in complete coordination to ensure the smooth flow of goods and passengers, and enhance security and inspection procedures to preserve Kuwait's security and facilitate trade and transportation. Elsewhere, U.S. President Donald Trump claimed a ceasefire between Iran and Israel was 'in effect' on Tuesday, after expressing deep frustration with both sides and accusing them of violating the agreement he brokered. Israel earlier accused Iran of launching missiles into its airspace after the truce was supposed to take effect. The Iranian military denied firing on Israel, state media reported. Trump expressed anger and frustration as he told reporters at the White House that both Israel, a close ally, and Iran had violated the ceasefire plan. But later he said the deal was saved, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said he held off on tougher strikes against Iran after speaking to Trump. 'Following President Trump's conversation with Prime Minister Netanyahu, Israel refrained from additional attacks,' Netanyahu's office says. Trump told reporters at the White House before departing for a NATO summit that, in his view, both sides had violated the nascent agreement. He had particularly strong words for Israel, a close ally, while suggesting Iran may have fired on the country by mistake. But later he said the deal was saved. 'ISRAEL is not going to attack Iran. All planes will turn around and head home, while doing a friendly 'Plane Wave' to Iran. Nobody will be hurt, the Ceasefire is in effect!' Trump said in his Truth Social post. Indeed, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said he held off on tougher strikes against Iran after speaking to Trump. The conflict, now in its 12th day, began with Israel targeting Iranian nuclear and military sites, saying it could not allow Tehran to develop atomic weapons and that it feared the Islamic Republic was close. Iran has long maintained that its program is peaceful. Many worried the war might widen after the U.S. joined the attacks by dropping bunker-buster bombs over the weekend and Israel expanded the kinds of targets it was hitting. But after Tehran launched a limited retaliatory strike on a U.S. military base in Qatar on Monday, Trump announced the ceasefire.
Arab Times
31-05-2025
- Politics
- Arab Times
Crown Prince concludes landmark visit to Japan
TOKYO, May 31: His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah departed early on Saturday the Japanese city of Osaka following an official visit. His Highness the Crown Prince was seen off at the airport by the Minister of Information, Culture and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi, the State of Kuwait Ambassador to Japan Sami Al-Zamanan and the Japanese Ambassador to Kuwait Mukai Kenichiro. His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al- Hamad Al-Sabah sent on Saturday a thank you message to the Japanese Emperor Naruhito. His Highness Crown Prince expressed his gratitude for the warm reception during his official visit to Japan, thanking Emperor Naruhito on behalf of himself and his delegation. He highlighted that this warm welcome reflects the strong historic ties between the two countries, nurtured by His Highness the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al- Jaber Al-Sabah. His Highness the Crown Prince also appreciated the positive Kuwaiti-Japanese discussions on mutual interests and emphasized the importance of expanding cooperation to elevate bilateral relations, benefiting both nations and addressing global challenges. In conclusion, he wished Emperor Naruhito continued good health and success, and further progress and prosperity for Japan and its people. His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al- Hamad Al-Sabah also addressed a message of identical sentiments to the Japanese Crown Prince Fumihito, noting that he was deeply moved by the warm hospitality that mirrored the close and historic relations between the State of Kuwait and Japan. He noted that the visit to Japan was a significant step for bolstering the bilateral ties, the strategic partnerships, and affirming the resolve to expand this partnership and promote it at various levels. His Highness the Crown Prince wished him utmost good health and success and for his people more progress and prosperity. His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, upon conclusion of his official visit to Japan, sent on Saturday a message to Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, expressing deep gratitude for the well-organized reception for him and his entourage. His Highness the Crown Prince thanked the prime minister for the well-organized and warm reception during his presence in Japan, noting that the visit depicted depth of the distinguished and solid bonds that date back to 60 years ago. These close relations are of prior concern for His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- Sabah, he said to the premier. This visit was an opportunity to discuss regional and international issues of common concern, expand the bilateral partnership in various sectors, and promote it to a more comprehensive level, he added. The freshly concluded visit by His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah to Japan (May 28-31) has successfully pushed for the constructive development of the historic ties, said Japanese Ambassador to Kuwait Mukai Kenichiro on Saturday. In a statement, obtained by KUNA, following the end of His Highness the Crown Princes visit, Ambassador Mukai said 'I am also pleased to express our pride in His Highness's successful visit to Japan 'where he met with His Majesty the Emperor Naruhito, the Crown Prince (Murihito of) Akishino, and the Prime Minister Ishiba, and the two countries have concurred to upgrade our bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.' During His Highness' visit, five memoranda of understanding were signed, the Ambassador added. 'Through the MoC (Memorandum of Cooperation) on Training of Diplomats between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kuwait, 'I hope the cooperation between the two Ministries will be further strengthened,' he said. 'The two countries have agreed on the comprehensive cooperation in the field of electricity, water, and renewable energy through signing the MOC between the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) of Japan and the Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy of the State of Kuwait,' said the Ambassador. Ambassador Mukai said, 'the MoC on Direct Investment between the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) and the Kuwait Foreign Direct Investment Agency was also signed, which I hope will facilitate the further expansion of the investment from Japanese companies into Kuwait in the future.' 'We are optimistic that this visit and its outcomes will serve to strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation, building upon the strong and enduring relationship between Japan and Kuwait, founded on shared values and mutual interests,' he affirmed. Earlier today (Saturday), His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled concluded his visit to Japan, departing from the city of Osaka and addressing messages to the emperor and the crown prince, expressing sincere gratitude for the warm hospitality and affirming that the visit constituted a substantial push the bilateral relations. On Friday, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled, during his official visit to Japan, visited Expo 2025 Osaka. Accompanied by senior Kuwaiti official, he started his tour of the expo with a visit to the pavilion of the hosts, where the Japanese officials briefed him on the exhibits that reflect their history, culture and civilization.(KUNA)
Arab Times
29-05-2025
- Politics
- Arab Times
New bilateral pacts fortify Kuwait-Japan partnership
KUWAIT'S CROWN PRINCE MEETS JAPANESE EMPEROR NARUHITO, PM TOKYO, May 29: His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah met in Tokyo, Thursday morning, with Japanese Emperor Naruhito. His Highness the Crown Prince conveyed greetings and best wishes of welfare from His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to Emperor Naruhito and the Japanese people. The meeting focused on the close historic relations between the two countries in the past six decades, which saw great leaps in various fields, reflecting the aspirations of people in both countries. Later, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al- Hamad Al-Sabah held an official round of talks Thursday with Japanese Prime Minister, Shigeru Ishiba, in Tokyo. The talks were preceded by an official reception ceremony for His Highness the Crown Prince by the Japanese Prime Minister, which included a military parade and the playing of the national anthems of the countries. During the reception, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, expressed his sincere thanks and appreciation for the warm welcome and generous hospitality and conveyed the best greetings of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, to Japan and its friendly people. His Highness affirmed Kuwait's desire to enhance the bilateral ties between the two countries to reach the level of a strategic partnership. Further, His Highness lauded Japan's supportive stance for Kuwaiti rights during the brutal Iraqi invasion of Kuwait in 1990, recalling the historical relations that have bound the two friendly countries since 1958. In turn, the Japanese Premier welcomed the official visit of His Highness the Crown Prince, praising the depth of the historical relations that bind the two friendly countries and peoples. The latest regional and global developments were touched on during the talks. The talks were attended by the official delegation accompanying His Highness the Crown Prince. A signing ceremony was held during the visit, where Kuwait and Japan formalised several agreements and Memoranda of Cooperation (MoCs), overseen by His Highness the Kuwaiti Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. The ceremony reflected the two countries' keenness to strengthen and develop the existing bilateral cooperation between them in various vital fields. Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah Al-Yahya and members of the official delegation attended the event. The State of Kuwait and Japan agreed to upgrade their bilateral relations to a 'comprehensive strategic partnership,' which reflects the depth of the relationship and opens new horizons for cooperation. The agreement is a fruit of the official visit by His Highness the Crown Prince of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah to Japan on May 28-31, a press release from the Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Thursday. His Highness the Crown Prince has held talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on ways to strengthen the relations in various vital areas and serve the mutual interests of both nations amid regional and international changes. They agreed that upgrading the bilateral relations in the political, economic and humanitarian fields materialises both nations' shared commitment to enhancing security, stability and prosperity on regional and international scales, the statement noted. To conclude the day's engagements, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba held a banquet in honour of His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and his accompanying delegation, in Tokyo. Kuwait and Japan are tied with historical bonds that started with the economic field in the fifties when the late Amir Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Al- Sabah agreed in 1958 to grant Japan's Arabian Oil Company Ltd the concession to explore oil at the Submerged Area or the Neutral Zone. Three years later, Japan was in the forefront of those countries that had recognized Kuwait's independence through a cabinet decree on December 8, 1961, in spite of Iraqi economic sanctions on Japanese exports. The Japanese move was based on balanced interests with Kuwait, particularly after Japan had obtained the concession to use Kuwait's oil share in the divided zone with Saudi Arabia. The concession came to an end in September 2001 under a memo of understanding. The Kuwait Gulf Oil Company then started operating in the joint offshore oil fields. Bilateral diplomatic ties were forged in February 1962, when the first Kuwaiti Ambassador to Japan, Sulaiman Mohammad Al-Sanea, arrived in Tokyo, and the Japanese embassy was inaugurated in Kuwait in March, 1963. Japanese commercial missions had been present in Kuwaiti markets since 1961 to study markets of Gulf States. Afterwards, both sides commenced cooperative relations in several areas, including cooperation between Kuwait Gulf oil Company and Arabian Oil Company by signing agreements for providing Japan with part of the production of the divided area and helping Kuwaiti companies make use of the Arabian Oil Company's expertise and a Japanese financing agreement. Based on this cooperation, the Arabian Oil Company Ltd had helped in establishing Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR) in 1967. In the following decades, relations between the two countries were based on mutual benefit, especially in commercial aspects, where Kuwait was one of the main sources of crude oil and its derivatives for Japan, while Kuwaiti markets saw an abundance of Japanese products. Japan's position on the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait in 1990 was so supportive that it stood by Kuwaiti rights and supported international conventions condemning occupation, calling for return of sovereignty. Japan also contributed USD 13 billion for the liberation of Kuwait. In January 1995, the then Heir to the Emperor's Throne, Naruhito, and Princess Masako, visited Kuwait, where the late Amir Sheikh Jaber Al- Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah granted him the Order of Mubarak Al-Kabeer in appreciation of Japan's support for Kuwait during the Iraqi invasion. In return, Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah paid an official visit to Tokyo in October of the same year in order to voice gratitude to Japan for having supported Kuwait during the liberation from the Iraqi invasion. In March 2012, the late Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- Sabah visited Japan, where he had met with Emperor Akihito, Crown Prince Naruhito and Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda on ways of promoting relations between both countries in a bid to serve their mutual interest. In August 2013, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe visited Kuwait in order to bolster his country's partnership with Kuwait, mainly in economic and scientific matters and promote bilateral dialogue to ensure joint stability and prosperity. On December 23, 2024, Kuwait and Japan held the fourth round of political consultations, with both sides having voiced a willingness to further expand their economic partnership covering food security, cybersecurity, renewable energy, oil and petrochemicals. The Kuwaiti-Japanese businessmen's committee, formed in 1995, held its first meeting in Kuwait in November of the same year. In 2011, Kuwait granted Japan five million barrels of crude oil worth roughly USD 500 million, in addition to USD five million in the aftermath of a powerful earthquake that hit its eastern coasts. (KUNA)
Arab Times
28-05-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
Kuwait Crown Prince in Japan on an official visit
TOKYO, May 28: His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and his accompanying delegation arrived in Japan on an official visit on Wednesday. His Highness the Crown Prince was received by Japanese Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs and Director-General for Middle East and African Affairs Toshihide Endo, Kuwaiti Ambassador to Japan Sami Al-Zamanan, and Japanese Ambassador to Kuwait Mukai Kenichiro. His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah visit to Japan represents a milestone in the history of bilateral relations and strategic partnership between the two countries, said Kuwaiti Ambassador to Japan Sami Al-Zamanan Wednesday. In remarks to KUNA, Ambassador Al-Zamanan noted that the 'historic' visit of His Highness the Crown Prince is the culmination of a long history of constructive cooperation and mutual understanding, and bears significance for the depth of relations between the two friendly countries and peoples. Kuwait and Japan have a strong friendship spanning nearly 64 years, embodied through ongoing cooperation and communication, and based on the principles of mutual respect and shared interests, he added. He said that Kuwaiti-Japanese ties have witnessed significant growth in recent years, thanks to the keenness and interest of the two wise leaderships, expressing his confidence that this high-level visit will contribute to opening new horizons that will achieve the aspirations of both leaderships. During the official visit, His Highness the Crown Prince is scheduled to meet with Emperor Naruhito and the Crown Prince of Japan. An official summit will also be held between the Crown Prince and Prime Minister Ishiba to discuss ways to enhance cooperation between Japan and Kuwait and to address regional and international developments (KUNA)
The Sun
28-05-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
GCC renews call for resolution of Palestine and Syria issues
KUALA LUMPUR: The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) reaffirmed its firm stance on the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip and the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, calling on the international community to shoulder its responsibilities. Kuwaiti Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, who is also President of the current session of the GCC Supreme Council, said the GCC underscores the fundamental priority of establishing an independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. 'We urge the international community to take responsibility and adopt effective measures to end the aggression, protect civilians, end the occupation, and launch a genuine peace process based on legitimate international resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative,' the Crown Prince said. His Royal Highness made the remarks at the inaugural ASEAN-GCC-China Summit here today. Sheikh Sabah Khaled also reiterated that the GCC values the positions and support of its partners in ASEAN and China for the Palestinian cause, and stressed the importance of continuing this support across various international forums. On the situation in Syria, the GCC welcomed the positive developments and expressed support for all efforts to achieve security and stability. 'The GCC also supports all efforts to preserve Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity, thereby restoring the security and dignity of our fellow Syrian people and enabling them to resume national reconstruction,' the Crown Prince said. The summit was a new initiative by Malaysia as ASEAN Chair, aimed at strengthening trilateral economic cooperation between ASEAN, the GCC and China. It was attended by leaders from ASEAN, GCC member states and China.
