Video: The President of the United Arab Emirates arrives in Riyadh and leads the delegation to the GCC-ASEAN Summit

Sheikh Mohamed said on X (formerly known as Twitter): “At the GCC-ASEAN Summit in Riyadh, partners affirmed the enduring importance of international cooperation and integration. “I thank King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for convening this Summit to strengthen ties with ASEAN nations.”

Upon arrival at Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport, Sheikh Mohamed was welcomed by Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, along with other senior officials.

The UAE delegation to the summit includes Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Governor of Abu Dhabi; Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Ali Mohammed Hammad Al Shamsi, Secretary General of the Supreme National Security Council; Dr. Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Advisor to the President of the UAE; and Sheikh Nahyan bin Saif Al Nahyan, ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The summit discussed enhancing cooperation between the GCC and ASEAN in various areas, focusing on economic, investment, development and political coordination. Furthermore, the summit explored new opportunities to elevate strategic collaboration between the two sides to serve their people’s aspirations for greater development and prosperity.

In his speech, the UAE President emphasized that this summit marks a new phase of cooperation between the GCC and ASEAN in various fields. This collaboration is especially significant given the close ties between the two parties and the multitude of opportunities to enhance shared interests in various areas, particularly in development sectors that serve aspirations for growth and prosperity.

Sheikh Mohamed noted that the GCC and ASEAN share a collective will to advance relations in the coming period. This sentiment is reflected in the joint action plan for 2024-2028, which covers political, economic, commercial, investment and other areas.

The President expressed his gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, for his invitation to attend the summit. He also expressed his gratitude to His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, for his important efforts in leading the summit.

Sheikh Mohamed stated: “Today, as we meet, our region faces a serious conflict, and the number of victims and the risks associated with it are amplified daily, especially in humanitarian terms.” He offered his condolences to the families of all the victims of this conflict and wished a speedy recovery to the injured, reiterating the call for an immediate ceasefire to avoid further escalation and its threat to regional peace.

The President of the United Arab Emirates also emphasized the priority of preserving the lives of all civilians, providing them with protection and opening humanitarian corridors for the unimpeded transportation of medical and relief aid to the Gaza Strip. Furthermore, he highlighted the importance of collective efforts to find a horizon of comprehensive peace in the region.

He underlined the UAE’s deep respect for its relationship with ASEAN countries as part of its approach to building bridges of cooperation around the world to promote mutual growth and prosperity. He highlighted that economic and trade ties between the UAE and ASEAN countries have recently seen significant progress. Furthermore, efforts are being made to deepen economic partnerships with ASEAN in the coming period to achieve transformative progress in bilateral relations.

“Today, the world faces serious challenges ranging from supply chain disruptions, energy and food security, climate change and pandemics to various conflicts and disputes.”

Sheikh Mohamed affirmed the UAE’s belief in the importance of international cooperation and underlined the critical role of diplomacy and dialogue as essential tools to build trust, resolve disputes and establish global peace and stability.

His Highness also highlighted the role of the United Arab Emirates in hosting the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) later this year. He affirmed the nation’s collaboration with its partners to ensure that the conference produces beneficial results for all countries. The President stated that the United Arab Emirates looks forward to the active participation of ASEAN countries in this collective effort for the betterment of humanity.