Kuala Lumpur: Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Chinese Premier Li Qiang have reached an agreement to enhance strategic cooperation through the ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)-China Summit, set to occur tomorrow.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar highlighted Malaysia's appreciation for China's strong commitment to regional collaboration, particularly as Malaysia prepares to assume the ASEAN Chair in 2025. Anwar also mentioned that during his meeting with Premier Li on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit 2025, they focused on key areas such as the economy, the halal industry, trade, transportation, green energy, and artificial intelligence technologies.

Anwar expressed gratitude to China for supporting Malaysia's modernization efforts, emphasizing the importance of solidarity within the Global South. He noted that this collaboration would benefit Malaysia, China, and ASEAN by fostering regional economic growth.

Li Qiang arrived earlier today to participate in the inaugural ASEAN-GCC-China Summit at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, along with the 2nd ASEAN-GCC Summit. These summits aim to advance regional and inter-regional cooperation.

Later this evening, Li joined ASEAN leaders at a gala dinner hosted by Anwar, celebrating Malaysia's 2025 Chairmanship under the theme 'Inclusivity and Sustainability.' This year marks Malaysia's fifth term as ASEAN Chair, with previous chairmanships in 1977, 1997, 2005, and 2015.