The statement also welcomed initiatives to enhance GCC-ASEAN connectivity through sharing of best practices, as well as co-creating connectivity projects. Leaders also agreed to undertake consultations and explore cooperation on the implementation of the Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI) Work Plan IV (2021-2025) and GCC integration programs, including through knowledge sharing, institutional capacity building, technical assistance, and technology transfer in order to narrow the development gaps within and between ASEAN Member States, and enhance ASEANs competitiveness as a region to realize the goals of the ASEAN Community and advance regional integration.
The statement stressed the importance and urgency of promoting joint action including through the ASEAN Centre for Climate Change and similar GCC entities in mitigating climate change and adapting to its impacts, protecting the environment and developing low carbon and clean energy technologies, such as renewables, energy efficiency and conservation, carbon abatement and removal technologies. It also commended commitments expressed by the GCC and ASEAN countries at COP27 and call for an active participation at COP28, aimed at the implementation of commitments made, and affirm the importance of the underlying principles of the climate agreements, including equity and common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities in the light of different national circumstances, approaches, needs, and priorities in implementing the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement. Additionally, the statement expressed support for the United Arab Emirates hosting COP 28, calling for an ambitious and inclusive outcome, with nature, people, lives, and livelihoods at the heart of climate action. Participants reaffirmed commitment to the Paris Agreement and, in view of COP28, stressed the importance of successfully concluding the first Global Stocktake, with an ambitious and forward-looking outcome. They expressed interest in working together towards a sustainable, just, affordable, inclusive and orderly energy transitions in line with the Paris Agreement, and welcomed Qatar hosting the International Horticultural EXPO 2023. They acknowledged Saudi Arabias Middle East Green Initiative (MGI), and its announcement to establish and host a dedicated MGI Secretariat and allocate $2.5 billion to support MGI projects and governance, and welcomed the announcement by Saudi Arabia about the establishment of an international water organization based in Riyadh, as well as the UAE water initiative to address the threat of global water scarcity, calling for further decisive global action.
The statement said that, in recognition of the important initiatives by ASEAN and the GCC in their respective regions, they decided to undertake mutual consultations by Ministers and relevant officials with a view to establish mutual cooperation, as appropriate.
The leaders thanked the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for hosting this historic summit and agreed to hold a GCC-ASEAN summit every two years, and added that they look forward to convening the next summit in Malaysia in 2025.
Source: Qatar News Agency