PM Anwar Holds Bilateral Meeting With Li Qiang, Thanks China For BRICS Support
From Massita Ahmad
SHANGHAI, Nov 5 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim held a bilateral meeting with his Chinese counterpart Li Qiang at The Grand Halls on Tuesday, following-up on matters concerning Malaysia and China since their last meeting in Putrajaya on June 19, 2024.
During the meeting, Anwar said Malaysia is “extremely thankful” that China has been in the forefront in supporting Malaysia's participation in BRICS, the bloc of emerging economies comprising of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
“Things are going exceptionally well, and we have expanded cooperation to all areas, including economic, social, education, television, military, and border protection,” Anwar stated.
Anwar recalled Li’s visit to Malaysia as a memorable event, both personally and for the Malaysian government, noting that it paved the way for accelerated discussions on major investments and critical bilateral issues.
Both leaders also witnessed the exchange of documents between Malaysia and China related to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) Cooperation Plan.
The Plan seeks high-quality development and collaboration between Malaysia and China through policy coordination, improved infrastructure connectivity, enhanced trade and investment cooperation, deepened financial collaboration, and strengthened ties in various other sectors such as education, science and technology, media, culture, tourism, health, and sports.
The exchange of the documents took place between Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, and Vice Chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission of China, Liu Sushe.
Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, is on a working visit to China from Nov 4 to 7 at the invitation of Li, to attend the 7th China International Import Expo (7th CIIE) held here.
He arrived Monday (Nov 4), marking Shanghai as his first stop before proceeding to Beijing.
His delegation of key ministers, includes Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan, Investment, Trade and Industry Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz, and Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong.
In July this year, Tengku Zafrul was quoted saying Malaysia’s decision to confirm its involvement in the BRI has made it one of the first in ASEAN to do so, therefore further cementing the economic partnership between Malaysia and China.
This, he said, has brought about transformative projects that enhance connectivity and economic development.
Tengku Zafrul added said Chinese companies have invested significantly in Malaysia, from large-scale infrastructure projects like the East Coast Rail Link to high-tech industries in special economic zones.
Likewise, he said Malaysian companies have also made their mark in China, particularly in sectors such as construction, finance, agriculture produce and halal food production.
China has maintained its position as Malaysia’s largest trading partner for 15 consecutive years since 2009, underscoring the depth of the Malaysia-China economic partnership.
-- BERNAMA
