The GCC-ASEAN Summit: Charting Regional Interests and Future Challenges


The report provides an analysis the GCC-ASEAN summit held in October 2023. Divided into three sub-sections, the first examines the multilateral and individual factors that catalyzed the convening of this inter-regional gathering, scrutinizing it from an ASEAN-centric perspective. Second, it goes on to consider how the summit was received by different ASEAN member states (specifically, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, and Laos) – showcasing how national priorities have played a role in their desire to build stronger ties with the GCC. Finally, the report highlights some of the challenges that necessitate attention from policymakers if inter-regional engagement is to be sustained over the long-run.