KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today reaffirmed Asean’s commitment to deepening relations with China, describing the partnership as one built on trust.
Speaking at the 28th Asean-China Summit, Anwar welcomed Chinese Premier Li Qiang and expressed appreciation for China‘s steadfast engagement with the regional bloc.
“Premier Li, you were with us earlier this year for the Asean–GCC–China Summit. We are honoured to have you again today. It is a reflection of China’s firm and unyielding commitment to deepening ties with Asean,” he said in his opening remarks.
Anwar also underscored Asean’s role as a central and neutral platform amid growing global competition.
“If people are curious, the day before we were with President Donald Trump of the United States of America, and today we are back with China. That reflects Asean’s centrality, and I commend my colleagues for their wisdom in maintaining friendly relations with all partners,” he said.
He added that Asean’s approach of steady engagement has helped foster trust and enabled member states to work through challenges together.
He added that there was a shared appreciation for China’s consistent and constructive role in the region.
Anwar also described the signing of the Asean-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA) 3.0 Upgrade Protocol as a key milestone in economic cooperation.
ENDS
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
