Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim attends Malaysia-China Business Dialogue in Beijing to bolster trade ties

The Malaysia-China High-Level Business Dialogue was held in Beijing on Tuesday, bringing together business representatives from China and senior officials from Malaysia, including Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

Anwar is in China for commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

He also attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Plus Summit in Tianjin on Monday.

At the dialogue, the Malaysian leader underscored the importance of strengthening bilateral trade ties.

"The promotion of trade investments is very critical, because that would mean development and progress for our countries. They will also allow for new players, provide the welfare of the industry, opportunities for labor, for workforce, and training for professionals. So it is actually much related to the overall development of our societies," said Ibrahim.

China has been Malaysia’s largest trading partner for 15 consecutive years, a sign of their strong, long-term relationship.

As energy products, agricultural goods and mechanical and electronic equipment account for the bulk of trade between the two countries, both sides are eyeing new areas with growth potential.

"I think still (there is great potential) in areas like a green economy, including also blue economy, AI, modern farming, and of course advanced manufacturing," said Low Kian Chuan, chairman of Malaysia-China Business Council.

Another expert said the two nations have great potential for steady trade growth.

"Overall, China-Malaysia economic and trade cooperation is highly complementary, with enormous potential for further growth. With the support of both bilateral and multilateral mechanisms, the two countries' cooperation is set to remain at the forefront of China-ASEAN relations," said Xu Jinli, director general of Bilateral Cooperation Department at the China Chamber of International Commerce (CCOIC).

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim attends Malaysia-China Business Dialogue in Beijing to bolster trade ties

An Iranian delegation led by Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi arrived in Pakistan on Friday night to discuss regional developments and ongoing peace efforts, a spokesman for Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

Tahir Andrabi, the spokesman, said in a social media post that Araghchi is scheduled to meet Pakistan's leadership to exchange views on the evolving regional situation and efforts aimed at promoting peace and stability.

Upon arrival, the Iranian foreign minister was received by Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Chief of Defense Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, along with other senior officials.

Araghchi currently has no negotiation plans with U.S. representatives, but will convey messages to the U.S. side through Pakistani mediators, according to Iranian sources on Friday.

However, the White House said Friday that U.S. President Donald Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner are heading to Pakistan for talks with Araghchi this weekend.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who led the U.S. negotiating team during the first round of talks in Pakistan earlier this month, is not currently planning to attend the upcoming talks, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said, adding he will be standing by and consulting Trump alongside Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Earlier in the day, Araghchi said in a social media post that he was embarking on a regional tour that includes stops in Islamabad, Muscat and Moscow. Araghchi emphasized that the purpose of the visit is to closely coordinate with partners on bilateral affairs and to consult on the regional situation. He also noted that Iran's neighbors are a priority for Iran.

Iranian delegation led by FM arrives in Pakistan