Speech of President of the Republic of Indonesia at Association of Southeast Asian Nations-Gulf Cooperation Council (ASEAN-GCC) Summit, Ritz Carlton Hotel, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, October 20, 2023

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim,

Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,

Your Majesty,

Your Excellency leaders of ASEAN and GCC countries,

Indonesia as Chair of ASEAN 2023 welcome the historic momentum of ASEAN’s first meeting with the leaders of the Gulf countries.

Thank you for the welcome and hospitality from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

ASEAN and the GCC are two big powers that will continue to grow. The GDP of ASEAN and the GCC has reached more than US$5 trillion and the population has reached more than 700 million people.

This is a strength for us to play a strategic role as a positive force in the midst of a divided world. Indonesia appreciates the accession of all GCC members to the ASEAN Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation as a commitment from gulf countries to support peace in Southeast Asia and the Indo-Pacific region.

Allow me to deliver four points of note.

First, it is in economic sector. We need to make the most of economic potential through a balanced, open, and fair investment and trade, including through the establishment of ASEAN-GCC trade framework, industrial development, recognition of halal certification and development of halal tourism.

The second point is food and energy security. We must maintain food supply chain security through cooperation in agricultural and food technology as well as harmonization of agricultural commodity standards. We must strengthen energy security through a mutually beneficial and sustainable partnership that will also speed up energy transition.

Third, migrant workers protection. Amidst global uncertainty, allow me to underscore ASEAN’s commitment to providing better protection for migrant workers. I call for your support.

Lastly, I would like to express my deep concern over the development of the situation in Gaza. All forms of violence must be ceased. Humanitarian issue must become a priority. We should stand together to halt the escalation.

We should not forget to address the root problem, which is Israel’s occupation of Palestine. It must be resolved based on the agreed international parameters where ASEAN and GCC stand in a clear and solid position to support solutions for Palestine perpetual peace.

I thank you.

Wassalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.

 (RAS/EP)