ASEAN, Gulf nations urge end to Israel-Hamas war in first summit

Leaders also discuss trade, climate change in Riyadh

Indonesian President Joko Widodo, left, and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met on Oct. 19 ahead of a broader summit of Southeast Asian and Gulf leaders. (Photo courtesy of Indonesia's presidential office)

TOMOYOSHI OSHIKIRI, YUICHI SHIGA and SHUNTARO FUKUTOMI, Nikkei staff writers

October 21, 2023 01:12 JST

JAKARTA/MANILA/DUBAI -- ASEAN and the six Gulf Cooperation Council countries urged a swift resolution to the Israel-Hamas war, as well as stronger ties between Southeast Asia and the Middle East, at the two bodies' inaugural leaders summit Friday.

Leaders from nine of ASEAN's 10 members, including Indonesian President Joko Widodo and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., attended the meeting in Riyadh.