KUALA LUMPUR, July 11 (KUNA) -- ASEAN Foreign ministers stressed on Friday the importance of enhancing economic cooperation and regional connectivity with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
This came in the joint statement of the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting, held in Kuala Lumpur from July 8 to 11, as part of preparations for the 47th ASEAN Summit scheduled for next October.
ASEAN expressed keenness to expand engagement with new partners to promote trade and market integration, citing countries such as the GCC, the Pacific Alliance, and the African Union as potential strategic partners.
Areas of cooperation include enhancing supply chain resilience, digital and green economies, economic integration, and supporting sustainable growth and energy transition efforts in the region, as well as exploring cooperation in the field of halal food.
ASEAN welcomed Algeria's accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia, along with Uruguay, bringing the number of signatories to the treaty to 54 countries.
The statements also welcomed the encouraging progress made in ASEAN's Sectoral Dialogue Partnerships with Morocco, the UAE, Turkiye, and South Africa aiming at building a more inclusive and open society for the Arab region and the African continent.
Regarding the Palestinian conflict, ASEAN expressed grave concern over the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, which has been exacerbated following the 7 October 2023 attacks and the resumption of hostilities on 18 March 2025.
It condemned all attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure, as well as the continued restrictions on the delivery of humanitarian aid, relief supplies, and basic needs.
ASEAN called for an immediate and permanent ceasefire and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, especially women, children, the sick and the elderly.
It also commended the efforts of a number of ASEAN member states to provide humanitarian assistance to Gaza, calling on all member states and the association's external partners to continue providing and facilitating such assistance. (end) aab.ao