BEIJING: Malaysia will continue to play a role in strengthening cooperation between Asean, China and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), including efforts to pursue a trilateral agreement, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The Deputy Prime Minister said the matter was discussed during his meeting with Chinese Vice-Premier Ding Xuexiang here on Thursday (Oct 15), with both sides looking to build on the inaugural Asean-GCC-China Summit hosted by Malaysia last year.
"They hope Malaysia will continue to play a similar role when the next meeting is held in China," he told Malaysian media after the meeting.
The inaugural Asean-GCC-China Summit was held in Kuala Lumpur on May 27 last year during Malaysia’s Asean chairmanship, bringing together leaders to strengthen economic cooperation.
Ahmad Zahid said cooperation could also include greater use of the Chinese renminbi in trade between China and the GCC.
"This could have a significant impact on currency exchanges involving the Malaysian ringgit, the renminbi and the currencies of GCC countries," he added.
Ahmad Zahid said the meeting also covered broader bilateral and multilateral cooperation, with the outcomes to be conveyed to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for consideration and follow-up action.
The trilateral summit, a new initiative by Malaysia as Asean Chair last year, seeks to strengthen economic cooperation among Asean, the GCC and China.
Anwar said previously that the summit symbolises the power of cohesiveness of regional blocs, which will have a positive impact on the world at large, while contributing to a more inclusive and sustainable future for the region and the people.
