It was a privilege to speak for the first time in Jakarta, at the University of Indonesia, and to engage with such a vibrant and forward-thinking academic community. I would like to express my gratitude to the organizers for hosting this important dialogue on the evolving dynamics between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and ASEAN.

Before diving into the heart of my presentation, it is essential to acknowledge the ongoing tragedy in Gaza and the wider region. The Israeli occupation and its military aggression not only cause immense human suffering but also destabilize the broader Middle East. This reality cannot be ignored when we speak of regional cooperation and global partnerships.

Key Focus: Opportunities and Challenges in GCC-ASEAN Relations

Contrary to initial references to “superpowers,” my talk focused on shared interests and common ground between the GCC and ASEAN in the context of shifting geopolitical currents. Two guiding questions structured the presentation:

1. What are the opportunities for deepening relations between the GCC and ASEAN?
2. What are the challenges, and how can they be addressed collectively?

A Brief History of Engagement

While the spotlight often falls on GCC-China relations, the GCC-ASEAN relationship has a much earlier origin, dating back to 1990. However, this partnership remains under-documented and underexplored.

Key historical milestones include:

• 2009 Manama Meeting (Bahrain): Outlined cooperation in three areas—Free Trade, Economic Development, and Cultural/Educational Exchange.
• 2010–2011: A series of meetings on education (Bangkok), food security (Doha), tourism (Laos), and economic affairs (Salalah) showcased shared ambitions.

Despite these efforts, implementation has remained limited—largely because GCC engagement with ASEAN has been more bilateral than multilateral. Each GCC member state tends to forge its own ties with ASEAN countries, limiting the potential for a bloc-to-bloc partnership.

Case Study: Qatar’s Bilateral Momentum

The 2017 GCC blockade against Qatar became a catalyst for Qatar to diversify its alliances.
Key outcomes included:

• Over 90% of Qatar’s exports now head to Asian markets.
  Strategic investments in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines (e.g., Nebras Power, QNB, and Ooredoo).
• Shift of World Cup-related real estate investment focus from traditional GCC sources to Asia and Turkey.

Missed Strategic Alignment—But Not Lost Opportunity

There is no doubt the relationship is growing, especially in trade and economics.
Examples include:

• Gulf exports to ASEAN: Crude oil, plastics, aluminum.
• ASEAN exports to GCC: Food, electronics, vehicles.

However, what’s missing is a clear strategic alignment between the two blocs. Turning bilateral progress into collective initiatives is crucial.

Seizing New Opportunities: Diversification and Green Energy

The GCC is undergoing a significant economic transformation, moving beyond oil dependence (Vision 2023/2025). This opens space for meaningful ASEAN collaboration, especially in:

1. Economic Diversification Initiatives
   ASEAN can partner with GCC states on non-oil sectors like tourism, logistics, fintech, and education.
2. Energy Transition & Climate Collaboration
   Both regions are prioritizing climate change and sustainability. Opportunities include:
   
   • Carbon markets
   • Low-carbon technologies
   • Green hydrogen partnerships
     
3. Financial Cooperation
   With the GCC’s GDP over $2 trillion and ASEAN surpassing $3.6 trillion, the case for a GCC-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement is stronger than ever.

Looking Ahead

As U.S. economic interest in the region wanes, East and Southeast Asia are becoming the primary markets for Gulf hydrocarbons. This underscores the need for GCC states to pivot East strategically—not just economically.

It’s time we move from episodic meetings to sustainable frameworks, from bilateral deals to multilateral, institutionalized cooperation between the GCC and ASEAN.

Together, we can shape a more resilient, diversified, and interconnected future.