[Tee tiong huat]

A statement from S'pore’s PM’s Office on Sunday said the theme of this year’s summit – Inclusivity and Sustainability – underlines a “forward-looking agenda and priorities in building a united and resilient ASEAN amidst geopolitical and economic challenges”. The leaders will reaffirm their commitment to ASEAN’s integration & community building efforts, as well as discuss ways to continue promoting “a free, open and inclusive regional architecture” within the 10-member bloc and with external partners, it added.

Talks will also touch on how to strengthen ASEAN’s resilience by making trade within the region more seamless and tapping new growth areas like the digital and green economies, the statement said. In addition, Mr Wong & his counterparts are set to discuss ways to expand ASEAN’s engagement with external partners, especially with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and China at the ASEAN-GCC summit and the ASEAN-GCC-China summit on Tuesday.

The GCC has a membership of six Arab states, including major oil producers Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait. 

The summit on Tuesday will also be the second time leaders from both regions are meeting after the first ASEAN-GCC summit in 2023. 

Especially regional blocs that Chins will also have their first trilateral  meeting with China, with China represented lead by Chinese Premier Li Qiang.

Related: Amid Trump tariffs, ASEAN summit to prioritise new trade links with other powers: Analysts