The prime minister made the proposal at the inaugural Asean-GCC summit here today, Bernama reported.

He said the proposed comprehensive economic partnership agreement would be crucial for economic growth as the two regions recover from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and face new geopolitical uncertainties.

“We need to transform Asean-GCC relations to maximise the economic potential of our combined regions. Malaysia is committed to doing just that,” he was quoted as saying.

The Asean-GCC summit was opened by Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman, the co-chairman with Indonesian president Joko Widodo, who led the Asean grouping this year.

The summit brings together leaders of the two prominent blocs, comprising the 10 Asean member states and the six GCC members: Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman.