China-Malaysia relations exemplify the importance of respect and trust in international cooperation, a spirit that should be cultivated throughout the region, said Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Thursday as APEC leaders gather in Lima, Peru for the annual meeting.
Prime Minister Ibrahim reunited with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Lima, following his visit to China earlier this month. In an interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN), Ibrahim praised the progress in bilateral ties and expressed his commitment to bring the success of China-Malaysia cooperation to multilateral platforms.
"This showcases how countries should work and collaborate with one another – [with] respect and trust. Now we have it in China and I think that same spirit should apply to all. And I think for ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) it's an excellent sort of arrangement, but now we [need] to expand within the Pacific," he said.
Malaysia is set to assume the rotating presidency of ASEAN next year. Speaking of his priorities for the regional cooperation mechanism, Ibrahim highlighted energy, digitalization, trade, and investment as key areas of focus.
"No, we proceed with some of the arrangements, but we have to think new, how to strengthen and fortify the ASEAN as an entity. Secondly, to be focused on certain issues, for example, energy and secondly digitalization, how can we work together and then to showcase ASEAN can be a force and focus on the economy, trade and investments," said the prime minister.
Ibrahim also stressed the importance of addressing the digital divide, particularly in the realm of artificial intelligence (AI), calling for greater efforts to democratize access to AI technology.
"Democratization of access to AI [is] like democratization of access to education. It must be understood and exposed to every single citizen so that there is no inequality or digital gap," said Ibrahim.
Leaders from 21 economies along the Pacific Rim are in Lima this week for the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting. APEC hopes to reach consensus on more inclusive trade, innovation and digitalization to facilitate transition to the formal economy, and sustainable development.
Malaysian PM calls for stronger regional cooperation
