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GCC open to green energy collaboration with ASEAN: Crown Prince

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KUALA LUMPUR: Energy security and environmental sustainability are among the GCC’s foremost priorities of international cooperation, said His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah on Tuesday.

Speaking at the second GCC–ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur, Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled praised the progress ASEAN nations have made in the field of green energy. He expressed the GCC’s readiness to support climate goals through clean energy cooperation and proposed strategic partnerships in food security and digital infrastructure to strengthen resilience and innovation.

The Crown Prince also proposed designating 2026 as a “GCC–ASEAN Cultural Convergence Year,” featuring cultural weeks, forums, and exhibitions, alongside national cultural days in both regions. He also called for initiatives to empower youth and women through training, skill development, and entrepreneurship programs.

A key moment

The summit was held under the joint chairmanship of His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled, representing His Highness the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and current President of the GCC Supreme Council; Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, current Chair of ASEAN; and leaders of ASEAN member states.

His Highness noted that both blocs possess vast geographical, demographic, and strategic assets that qualify them to play an influential global role, especially amid accelerating economic changes, security challenges, climate risks, and technological revolutions that demand new patterns of cooperation.

Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled described the summit as a key moment in strengthening ties between the GCC and ASEAN, and as a reaffirmation of their collective commitment to building a strategic partnership rooted in mutual interests, international law, and inclusive sustainable development.

He recalled the first summit held in Riyadh in October 2023, calling it a successful launchpad that helped shape the current strategic cooperation framework (2024–2028). He said this serves as a roadmap for institutionalizing the partnership and translating it into practical tools for progress.

His Highness highlighted the combined economic and demographic power of the two blocs, with a total GDP nearing $6 trillion and a population of around 740 million. “The importance of this partnership lies in the fact that both sides together represent a tremendous economic and human force,” he said. “We are connected by some of the world’s most vital maritime and trade routes, giving our cooperation a geopolitical and strategic dimension that directly impacts regional stability and global economic growth.”

Economic achievements

He welcomed the economic achievements since the first summit, particularly in trade and investment, and called for keeping pace with developments in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.

He noted that the GCC became ASEAN’s seventh-largest trading partner in 2023, with total trade reaching $130.7 billion. He projected a 30 percent increase to $180 billion by 2032. Bilateral trade in goods surpassed $122 billion in 2023, with rising Gulf investments in Asia reflecting growing trust and economic complementarity.

He urged continued efforts to enhance cooperation in economic, investment, trade, and technical sectors, including positive progress in free trade negotiations and policies to support investment and regional supply chains.

Security cooperation

His Highness reiterated the GCC’s commitment to constructive dialogue, mutual understanding, respect for sovereignty, and non-interference in internal affairs. He called for enhanced cooperation to combat terrorism, extremism, organized crime, and for stronger crisis response mechanisms.

His Highness emphasized energy security and environmental sustainability as top priorities and praised ASEAN’s progress in renewable energy. He expressed GCC readiness to exchange expertise in clean energy, green hydrogen, and low-carbon technologies to support the Paris Climate Agreement goals.

In light of global crises and the COVID-19 pandemic, he proposed strategic partnerships in agriculture, food innovation, and supply chain resilience. He called for cooperation in building an inclusive digital economy and infrastructure, including sharing best practices in e-commerce and digital transformation.

Palestine, regional issues

His Highness expressed deep concern over the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories. He reaffirmed the GCC’s firm support for the Palestinian people’s right to establish an independent state along the June 4, 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

He called on the international community to uphold its legal and moral responsibilities to halt aggression, protect civilians, and revive a credible peace process based on international legitimacy and the Arab Peace Initiative. He also welcomed ASEAN’s supportive stance toward Palestinian rights.

On Syria, His Highness welcomed recent positive developments and reaffirmed the GCC’s support for preserving Syria’s sovereignty and enabling stability and reconstruction for the Syrian people.

Expo 2030

His Highness emphasized that the success of the summit would not be measured by declarations alone, but by the translation of goals into tangible results. He proposed establishing a high-level follow-up mechanism supervised by both blocs’ Secretariats to regularly report on progress.

He concluded by inviting ASEAN countries to participate in Expo 2030 in Riyadh, describing it as a global platform for showcasing sustainable partnerships, future technologies, and economic and cultural openness.

His Highness expressed appreciation to Malaysia once again and wished the summit great success in achieving its noble objectives, and for continued prosperity in GCC–ASEAN relations. — KUNA

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Kuwait, UK leaders discuss strengthening bilateral ties

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Crown Prince, Starmer exchange calls • Coast Guard discusses security with UK official

KUWAIT: Kuwait and the United Kingdom have reaffirmed their strong bilateral relations in a series of high-level discussions this week, covering diplomacy, regional security, and maritime cooperation. His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah received a telephone call on Wednesday from UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to review the “distinguished and close” relations between the two countries and explore ways to further enhance them.

Prime Minister Starmer wished His Highness continued health and wellbeing, and expressed hopes for Kuwait’s ongoing progress and prosperity under the wise leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. In response, the Crown Prince thanked the Prime Minister, describing the communication as a reflection of the “deep and solid” ties between the two friendly nations. He emphasized the shared commitment to further strengthen historical relations and expand cooperation across all fields, wishing continued prosperity to the UK and its people.

According to a statement from the UK foreign affairs department, the Prime Minister said the UK would work with close allies including Kuwait to implement President Trump’s peace plan for Gaza. The Prime Minister added that he felt a strong sense of responsibility that this plan delivered an end to the fighting in Gaza and a long-term pathway to peace.

His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah chairs a meeting of the the Supreme Defense Council.

His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah chairs a meeting of the the Supreme Defense Council.

In parallel developments, His Highness Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Prime Minister and Chairman of the Supreme Defense Council, presided over a meeting of the council at Bayan Palace to review key regional developments and recent international affairs.

On the security front, Kuwait’s Coast Guard Director-General, Commodore Mubarak Ali Al-Sabah met with the UK’s Vice Admiral Edward Ahlgren to discuss shared security interests and ways to enhance cooperation. The meeting took place at Sabah Al-Ahmad Coast Guard Base and included senior Coast Guard officials.

During the visit, Commodore Mubarak Al-Sabah highlighted the “historical depth” of Kuwait-UK relations and the ongoing development of military and security cooperation. Admiral Ahlgren was briefed on recent updates at the Coast Guard, including the new coastal monitoring system and the integration of naval drones into Kuwait’s maritime fleet. The visit underlined both countries’ shared commitment to strategic cooperation in security and maritime domains, aiming to strengthen regional stability and safeguard mutual interests. — Agencies

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Kuwaiti PM rep. reaffirms commitment to dialogue, regional security

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 ALULA, Saudi Arabia: Representing His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, First Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Fahad Yusuf Saud Al-Sabah stressed Wednesday that Kuwait’s participation in Munich Security Conference (MSC) Leaders Meeting, reflects commitment to regional dialogue and cooperation.

In remarks to KUNA, on the sidelines of the meeting in AlUla city, Sheikh Fahad condemned Israeli aggression against Qatar and Gaza as a violation of international law, emphasizing that the assault posed a direct threat to Gulf collective security and broader regional stability, urging urgent international attention.

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He noted that the meeting provided a vital platform to discuss pressing global and regional security challenges, particularly the escalating conflicts and humanitarian tragedies in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories, where participants agreed sustainable security remains impossible amid ongoing Israeli aggression.

He warned of grave consequences from escalating conflicts caused by Israeli occupation’s aggression, stressing risks to Gulf stability, while noting deliberations also addressed maritime and energy security, non-proliferation, food and water security, economic challenges, and shared transnational threats facing the international community.Reaffirming Kuwait’s commitment under its current presidency of the GCC, Sheikh Fahad stressed the importance of bolstering collective security, unifying Gulf positions, and strengthening regional and international partnerships, while praising Saudi Arabia’s warm hospitality and MSC’s role in organizing this vital meeting. — KUNA

 

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Deliveroo Kuwait unveils exclusive global dishes

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KUWAIT: Deliveroo Kuwait is serving up a global culinary journey with the launch of the new dishes from “The Exchange Program”. The first-of-its-kind initiative sent four of Kuwait’s top chefs abroad to explore viral food trends. Each created a fusion dish inspired by their journey, available exclusively on Deliveroo.

The program kicked off with Chef Khaled Al-Baker of Young Po, who took inspiration from the bustling streets of Seoul, South Korea, to introduce Rabokki. The dish combines chewy rice cakes and ramen noodles in a spicy, savory sauce, bringing the authentic flavors of Korean street food straight to Kuwait.

From Rome, Italy, Chef Faisal Al-Nashmi of San Ristorante is introducing the Maritozzi Box. Featuring indulgent cream-filled buns, the dish captures the essence of Italy’s sweet traditions while adding Chef Al-Nashmi’s modern touch. Chef Sawsan Daana of Matbakhi is channeling the spirit of Athens, Greece, with the Savory Souffra. Inspired by the communal dining tables of the Mediterranean, this dish celebrates togetherness through a vibrant spread of flavors that highlight the richness and warmth of Greek cuisine.

Finally, OH G!’s Chef Ghalia Hayat is bringing a taste of London, England, with the Donut Pudding Ice Cream. Reinventing classic British desserts, this whimsical dish brings together Hayat’s salted caramel pudding ice cream with a decadent chocolatey fudge swirl and chunks of donut, to deliver a unique sweet experience that will surprise and delight.

Deliveroo Kuwait’s Exchange Program is more than just a menu — it’s a cultural experience. By spotlighting Kuwaiti chefs and their creative reinterpretations of international dishes, the program bridges food trends with local talent, inviting customers to explore the world without leaving their homes. All dishes are available now and for a limited time, exclusively on Deliveroo Kuwait.

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