Asean, GCC meet amid Mideast crisisThe summit between the leaders of Asean and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in Saudi Arabia last Friday was the first time the two regional organisations collaborated in what is developing into a divided and fast-changing global environment. For years, Asean has taken an unwavering position on the Israel-Palestinian conflict, but this time, the leaders from Asean and GCC could meet face-to-face and jointly firm up their commitment. Indeed, their bilateral ties could have been better had there not been a lack of preparedness by Asean and GCC members. Meanwhile, GCC members were also caught in a dilemma because of the internecine squabbling among their members. After a heated debate, Asean senior officials agreed that despite individual Asean members' divergent views, they would stress their common positions.
