KUALA LUMPUR: Asean’s relations with the United States and China reflect the regional grouping’s commitment to centrality and maintaining relations with all countries, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said such engagements foster trust, enabling all to work through challenges together.
Anwar also lauded the signing of the Asean-China Free Trade Area 3.0 Upgrade protocol, as it marks an important step in economic cooperation.
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He added that the presence of Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Kuala Lumpur for the 47th Asean Summit and Related Summits also reflects China’s firm and unyielding commitment to deepening ties with Asean.
"If people are curious, a day before, we were with the US President Donald Trump, and today we are with China.
"That reflects Asean centrality. I commend and congratulate my colleagues in Asean for the wisdom to maintain centrality and relations with all countries," he said in his opening remarks at the Asean-China Summit here on Tuesday (Oct 28).
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Anwar noted that complete uniformity of views among Asean members is neither possible nor desirable.
"But, I believe that appreciation for China’s consistent and constructive engagement is shared by all," he said.
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Earlier on Tuesday, the Asean-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA) 3.0 Upgrade Protocol was signed in a simple yet significant ceremony, marking a major step forward in strengthening regional economic cooperation and trade facilitation.
The agreement was signed by Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, as the Asean Economic Ministers chair, and China's Commerce Minister Wang Wentao.
Anwar and Li Qiang witnessed the signing.
