KUALA LUMPUR: The Silk Road of China, Mecca and Madinah of the Middle East and Melaka in Asean have all been vital economic links, serving as a crossroads linking the East and West.
And these three regions can now bring their unique attributes to shape a future that is more connected, resilient and prosperous, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Calling the inaugural Asean, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and China Summit a landmark moment, the Prime Minister said the three regions represented a combined gross domestic product of US$24.87 trillion (RM105.4 trillion) and a population of 2.15 billion.
“This collective offers vast opportunities to synergise our markets, deepen innovation and promote cross-regional investment,” he said in his opening remarks at the summit yesterday.
Also present were Kuwait’s Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, who is the current president of the Supreme Council of the GCC, and Chinese Premier Li Qiang.
Anwar said Asean too has long demonstrated that regionalism – anchored in consensus, respect and openness – can succeed.
“We have thrived in our long-standing partnership with the GCC and China. Today, we have the opportunity to enhance these ties,” he said.
“From the ancient Silk Road to the vibrant maritime networks of South-East Asia to modern trade corridors, our peoples have long connected through commerce, culture and the sharing of ideas.
“Mecca and Madinah are centres for millions of pilgrims. We have hubs around Oman, which became the major trading route and other countries in the GCC.
“And historically, centres such as Melaka exemplified this tradition,” he said.
“For the first time, Asean, the GCC and China have come together in this unique configuration. Three partners, each rich in history, civilisation, culture and shared aspirations,” he said.
“China has not only transformed itself but also the regional economy and the international scene in many areas,” he said.
At the Asean level, Anwar said the friendliness, trust and working collaboration between countries are unrivalled.
“We work and think together. We have one of the most peaceful regions in the world and the fastest-growing economy in the world,” Anwar said.
Li, meanwhile, said China is ready to work with Asean and the GCC to fully leverage the synergy to become a powerful driving force for shared development and prosperity.
“As Chinese President Xi Jinping said, ‘To emerge from the fog and reach the summit’, the greatest power is unity, and the most effective method is collective cooperation.”
