HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister participates in the inaugural ASEAN-GCC-China Summit
Kuala Lumpur, May 27 (BNA): On behalf of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, participated today in the inaugural ASEAN-GCC-China Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The Summit was attended by senior officials and leaders of the participating delegations.
On behalf of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister issued a statement, which reads as follows:
Your Majesties, Highnesses, and Excellencies,
On behalf of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, it is a privilege to address this historic Summit between ASEAN, the Gulf Cooperation Council, and the People’s Republic of China.
I would also like to express our deep appreciation to Malaysia for its generous hospitality and its commendable efforts in coordinating with the GCC and ASEAN Secretariats, as well as with the People’s Republic of China, in preparation for this important gathering.
This gathering marks a defining moment one that affirms our shared commitment to dialogue, cooperation, and the pursuit of a more peaceful, stable, and prosperous world. At the heart of this relationship lies a common goal: to advance sustainable development that serves humanity at large.
Your Highnesses and Excellencies,
Today’s summit represents a significant step forward in fostering development cooperation among our regions. Together, GCC, ASEAN, and China comprise over a quarter of the world’s population and around 20% of global GDP. This scale brings with it extraordinary potential and an equally profound responsibility.
In rising to meet that responsibility, our regions are already taking ambitious steps. We commend the efforts of China and ASEAN in scaling up renewable energy, building green infrastructure, and progressing toward carbon neutrality goals that resonate deeply with the Gulf’s own priorities, including the Kingdom of Bahrain’s national commitment to reach net-zero emissions by 2060.
These shared ambitions open the door to meaningful collaboration in clean energy development, enhanced energy efficiency, and the creation of resilient, sustainable infrastructure for future generations.
Our regions are also at the forefront of the global digital transformation. This is a space of immense opportunity but one that demands responsible stewardship. As we accelerate technological advancement, we must also ensure that progress is guided by ethical frameworks, especially in the development and application of artificial intelligence.
In this regard, the Kingdom of Bahrain reiterates its call for the establishment of an international treaty governing the responsible and ethical development of artificial intelligence. A global challenge requires a global response rooted in trust, transparency, and shared values.
This same spirit of collective commitment must guide our efforts to reform the international system, including global financial and economic institutions, so they are more inclusive, equitable, and reflective of today’s realities and tomorrow’s needs.
We also call for realizing the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people to establish an independent state in accordance with the two-state solution. The Kingdom of Bahrain calls for urgent, sustained efforts to ensure the delivery of humanitarian assistance and reconstruction in Gaza, within a framework that guarantees security, dignity, and lasting stability for all.
Through deeper partnership, we can advance even further by securing vital maritime routes and trade corridors, combating terrorism and extremism, preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and fostering the values of dialogue, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence among our nations and cultures.
Your Highnesses and Excellencies,
This Summit provides a valuable platform to build substantive, long-term partnerships rooted in shared experience and driven by mutual benefit.
The Kingdom of Bahrain stands ready to contribute. Together, our nations can help shape a future of constructive cooperation defined by peace, prosperity, and shared purpose.
Thank you.
