Brunei Ambassador: Strengthening the Partnership between ASEAN and Kuwait and GCC Countries

Osama Diab: The Ambassador of the Sultanate of Brunei Darussalam, Haji Suleiman, affirmed that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) represents a regional community founded on friendship, trust, and cooperation. He emphasized the Association’s continued efforts to consolidate peace and prosperity in the region and to enhance cooperation with its member states and partners based on mutual respect and commitment to international law.

Speaking at an event held to commemorate the founding anniversary of ASEAN, he noted that the Association, established in 1967, has evolved over decades into a community comprising 11 countries and more than 680 million people. It works collectively to build a more inclusive and resilient region, placing the well-being of its peoples at the forefront of its priorities. He added that ASEAN has successfully expanded its partnership network beyond Southeast Asia, stressing that cooperation with international partners is a fundamental pillar for addressing common challenges and opening new horizons for development and prosperity.

He pointed out that 2023 marked an important milestone in the relationship between ASEAN and the State of Kuwait, with the holding of the first summit between the two sides, which opened a new chapter of cooperation and partnership. He clarified that the second summit between ASEAN and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries adopted the “ASEAN 2035” cooperation framework, reflecting a shared commitment to deepening partnership in several vital areas, foremost among them trade and investment, energy security, food security, digital transformation, tourism, education, and climate action.

The ambassador praised the role played by the Kuwaiti government in supporting and enhancing cooperation with ASEAN, expressing his anticipation for building on the momentum achieved during previous summits and continuing to develop cooperation areas in upcoming engagements, thereby pushing bilateral relations to broader horizons.

He welcomed Kuwait’s accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia, considering this step a manifestation of Kuwait’s commitment to the principles of peaceful cooperation and respect for international law, and reflecting the deep ties connecting it with the countries of the region.

He noted that the embassies of ASEAN countries accredited to Kuwait work closely through the committee affiliated with the Association, aiming to strengthen relations with the State of Kuwait and, simultaneously, to introduce the cultures of Southeast Asian nations, thereby contributing to consolidating understanding and communication between the peoples of the region and Kuwaiti society. He explained that these efforts include organizing cultural, social, and humanitarian events, alongside environmental and community initiatives, embodying the spirit of cooperation and solidarity that characterizes ASEAN.

He expressed his appreciation for the Kuwaiti government for providing a safe and welcoming environment for ASEAN nationals residing in the country, particularly in light of the circumstances and challenges facing the region. He affirmed that Kuwait’s open society and its entrenched culture of coexistence and interaction among various peoples have enabled everyone to celebrate the founding anniversary of ASEAN with a spirit of friendship and unity.

The ambassador stressed that the Association’s founding anniversary represents an occasion to renew commitment to its principles and objectives, emphasizing that ASEAN is not merely a regional organization, but a community based on friendship, trust, and cooperation, striving to strengthen bonds of closeness among its member states and partners.

He concluded by reiterating the importance of continuing joint efforts to build a more stable and prosperous future for the peoples of the region, and to enhance partnership between ASEAN countries, the State of Kuwait, and the GCC countries.