KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia and China are strengthening strategic cooperation in natural resource management and environmental sustainability, particularly in marine conservation and the Blue Economy.
The Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry said in a statement Tuesday (Sept 22) that it received a courtesy visit from Sun Shuxian, China's Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and head of the State Oceanic Administration.
Its Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup led the strategic discussion with other ministry representatives.
"The meeting served as an important platform to strengthen bilateral relations and cooperation in natural resource management and environmental sustainability under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) between the two countries.
"Among the key matters discussed were the proposed Marine Environmental Cooperation Agreement and Blue Economy initiatives.
"Both countries agreed to strengthen the marine cooperation platform, covering research, science, technology, expertise exchange and marine ecosystem management, which technical officers from both sides will detail further," it said.
The ministry said that in light of the current haze issue, Arthur proposed exploring cooperation with China in forest fire management and cloud seeding operations by leveraging China's expertise and advanced technology.
"We (Malaysia) noted China's bid to host the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) secretariat in Xiamen.
"We remain open to China's offer to host the BBNJ Secretariat in Xiamen, while assuring that Malaysia would provide appropriate support subject to the guidance of the Foreign Ministry and consideration of the interests of coastal states in the region," it read.
The meeting concluded with Malaysia inviting China to participate in the International Greentech and Eco Products Exhibition and Conference (IGEM) 2026.
"The invitation received a positive response from the Chinese side, with a commitment to promote participation among relevant industry partners in China.
"We are confident that the joint commitment would strengthen sustainable environmental management while bringing long-term economic and sustainability benefits to both countries," it read.
