Anwar and China’s Premier Li pledge to strengthen cooperation ahead of the ASEAN-GCC-China Summit in Kuala Lumpur.

KUALA LUMPUR, May 27 — Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Chinese Premier Li Qiang have agreed to deepen strategic cooperation, with a focus on the ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)-China Summit, set to take place in Kuala Lumpur today.

Anwar expressed appreciation for China’s strong commitment to enhancing regional collaboration, particularly as Malaysia prepares to chair ASEAN in 2025.

"On the sidelines of the 2025 ASEAN Summit, I had a productive meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, where we discussed strengthening strategic ties through the ASEAN-GCC-China Summit," Anwar shared in a post on X.

He noted that discussions centred on key sectors such as the economy, halal industry, trade, transportation — especially the East Coast Rail Link — as well as green energy and artificial intelligence.

The Prime Minister also thanked China for its continued support of Malaysia’s modernisation agenda, underscoring the importance of solidarity among Global South nations.

"This collaboration will bring mutual benefits to Malaysia, China, and the ASEAN region, and will help drive regional economic growth," he said.

Premier Li arrived in Kuala Lumpur earlier today to attend the inaugural ASEAN-GCC-China Summit and the 2nd ASEAN-GCC Summit, both of which will be held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre tomorrow.

These high-level summits serve as key platforms to promote regional and inter-regional cooperation.

Later in the evening, Li joined ASEAN leaders at a gala dinner hosted by Anwar in conjunction with the 46th ASEAN Summit, held under Malaysia’s 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship theme, “Inclusivity and Sustainability.”

This marks Malaysia’s fifth term as ASEAN Chair, following its leadership in 1977, 1997, 2005, and 2015. — Bernama