Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stressed that the multilateralism system must be defended by ensuring that the ASEAN-GCC-China geoeconomic model continues to play a meaningful role.
Anwar said this was important in shaping a better future to collectively face global challenges.
Anwar said that the organization of the first ASEAN-GCC-China Summit was able to expand cooperation and reflect success in building cooperation that is in line with current realities.
Anwar delivered the message when he spoke at the Plenary Session of the 46th ASEAN Summit today (Monday).
He commented that the ASEAN-GCC-China geoeconomic model plays a role in strengthening the strategic cooperation network between the world's three major regions while bringing a positive impact on global stability.
He also explained that the following agenda symbolizes the strength of the regional bloc's unity which will undoubtedly have positive implications for the world as a whole.
The ASEAN-GCC-China Summit scheduled to take place tomorrow (Tuesday) is expected to discuss new strategies in trade, stable infrastructure development and regional digital transformation.
ASEAN is now the world's fifth largest economy with a total GDP (Gross Domestic Product) worth RM15.98 trillion, while China remains ASEAN's largest trading partner with a bilateral trade volume of RM2.9 trillion.
