China looks forward to expanding cooperation in all fields with the member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) through the inaugural trilateral meeting, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said at a press briefing in Beijing on Thursday.
At the invitation of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, whose country holds the rotating chair of ASEAN for this year, Chinese Premier Li Qiang will attend the ASEAN-GCC-China Summit to be held in Kuala Lumpur, capital of Malaysia from May 26 to 28, Mao announced at the briefing.
When asked about China's expectations for the summit, the first of its kind, Mao said "ASEAN and GCC countries are all emerging economies in Asia and crucial members of the Global South. They are also important partners in jointly building the Belt and Road. China supports the initiative of Malaysia, the rotating chair of ASEAN for this year, to hold the ASEAN-GCC-China Summit. Against the backdrop of the current international and regional situations, it is of great significance for the three parties to discuss plans for unity, cooperation, development and prosperity, and promote cross-regional mutually beneficial cooperation. China looks forward to expanding practical cooperation in various fields with ASEAN and GCC countries to achieve complementarity and mutual benefits, jointly upholding the multilateral trading system and safeguarding the common interests of the Global South."
China eyes expanded cooperation with ASEAN, GCC: spokeswoman
China eyes expanded cooperation with ASEAN, GCC: spokeswoman
