Chinese Premier Li Qiang has called for deeper exchanges and trade cooperation with Malaysia, urging the two countries to safeguard free trade and the global trading system.
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In a meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Kuala Lumpur on Monday, Li said China was willing to maintain high-level exchanges, strengthen strategic communication and enhance cultural cooperation with Malaysia.
He also urged the two countries to continue expanding trade and investment cooperation, focusing on areas such as the digital economy, green economy and artificial intelligence, Xinhua said on Monday.
WATCH LIVE: Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s remarks at Asean summit
WATCH LIVE: Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s remarks at Asean summit
The Chinese premier is in Kuala Lumpur to attend the inaugural summit between China, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) that convenes on Tuesday.
Li, in his meeting with Anwar, said the three parties of the summit must strengthen coordination and “uphold open regionalism and true multilateralism” as the world is confronted with rising unilateralism and protectionism.
“China is ready to work closely with Malaysia to take the event as an opportunity to push for closer economic cooperation among the three sides, build a model of global cooperation and development, jointly safeguard free trade and the multilateral trading system, and address global challenges together, so as to contribute greater stability, certainty and positive energy to a turbulent world,” he said.
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Li’s visit to Malaysia, which follows President Xi Jinping’s trip last month, highlights Beijing’s intensified push to strengthen ties with Malaysia and Asean amid escalating trade tensions with the United States.