ASEAN” Leaders Depart Kuala Lumpur Following Historic ASEAN-GCC-China Summit

Following the conclusion of the 46th ASEAN Summit, the 2nd ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit, and the inaugural ASEAN-GCC-China Summit, leaders and delegates have departed Kuala Lumpur, marking the end of a significant diplomatic gathering aimed at enhancing regional cooperation and economic resilience.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang departed at 9:15 a.m. from the Bunga Raya Complex of Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), accompanied by his delegation. Transport Minister Anthony Loke was present to bid farewell to the Chinese leader.

At approximately 10:00 a.m., Kuwait’s Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah left aboard a special aircraft, with Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali seeing him off.

Timor-Leste’s Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão departed at 11:50 a.m., with Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad in attendance.

Sayyid Asaad bin Tarik al Said, Oman’s Deputy Prime Minister for International Relations and Cooperation Affairs, left at 2:33 p.m., with Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil seeing him off.

Later in the day, at 5:35 p.m., Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud departed, with Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Mohd Na’im Mokhtar present. The UAE’s Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, left at 6:32 p.m., seen off by Defense Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.

All leaders received a formal red carpet send-off, complete with a guard of honor mounted by 28 officers and personnel from the First Battalion of the Royal Ranger Regiment (Ceremonial).

The summits, held under Malaysia’s 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability,” focused on strengthening economic ties and fostering collaboration among ASEAN, GCC, and China. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim emphasized the importance of unity and mutual trust in navigating global challenges.

The gatherings underscored the commitment of participating nations to enhance economic cooperation, promote free trade, and work collectively towards a prosperous and sustainable future.