BEIJING: Chinese President Xi Jinping has brought a "new voice" to the Global South and the international community, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
In his opening remarks during a courtesy call with Xi, Anwar praised Xi's vision for global security and development, noting that it embodies values and civilisation.
"I have made the decision, with a firm commitment from the government, to strengthen collaboration and friendship.
"I followed your brilliant speech at BRICS closely, and I thank you for your support for the partnership. But what is more important is your vision for global security and development.
"I have always emphasised the unique role you have played in discussing values and civilisation, which no other prominent leader has done.
"I believe this demonstrates your passion for people, the poor, and humanity. That is why we view you not only as a leader of China but as a new voice for the Global South and internationally," he said during the courtesy call today.
Among the Malaysian delegation present during the meeting were Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, and Human Resources Minister Steven Sim.
Also present were Petaling Jaya member of parliament (MP) Lee Chean Chung and Ipoh Timor MP Howard Lee.
Meanwhile, Anwar also noted that Xi has been supportive of Malaysia's efforts to advance the digital, energy, and training sectors.
He added that China has done remarkably well in accepting Malaysia as a partner.
He further emphasised that Xi's presence at the Asean will be pivotal to ensuring the success of Asean.
"I see your vision of a shared future, which not many wealthy or successful countries have adopted.
"You want China's success to be understood and shared by the international community, and we will, of course, assume the Asean chairmanship.
"As I indicated to you, one outstanding achievement of Asean is to have Asean-GCC-China cooperation. As always, such decisions are challenging, like our decision on a dual-network 5G, which we made independently to prioritise our national interest.
"And now we have Asean-GCC-China cooperation. Many questions were raised, but I am pleased to say that I have managed to secure agreement from my Asean colleagues, with a full consensus of all 10 countries.
"We, of course, look forward to your presence because it will be pivotal to the success of Asean."
Anwar, who led the Malaysian delegation, later joined Xi for a dinner reception . He is scheduled to depart for Malaysia at 7.30pm.
This is his third visit to China as Prime Minister, following his first in March 2023 and his second in September of the same year after assuming office in 2022.