KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Chinese Premier Li Qiang officiated the ground-breaking ceremony of the Gombak terminal of the ambitious East Coast Rail Link on June 19, the capstone of Mr Li’s visit that saw the signing of 14 agreements for bilateral collaboration in various fields.
Ahead of Mr Li’s visit, Datuk Seri Anwar said Malaysia is ready to join Brics, the expanding bloc of emerging economies seen to be challenging the Western-led global order. “We make every effort to diplomatically engage China and integrate it into regional affairs, not because it is always straightforward, but because it is crucial for our shared future,” he added.
On June 10, Malaysia’s Transport Minister Anthony Loke said his ministry is exploring the possibility of extending the railway to join Thailand’s rail network, “paving the way for the ECRL to be part of the Pan-Asian rail network that can link Malaysia with China, realising the vision of the Belt and Road Initiative ”.
“This will better promote the construction of new international land and sea trade corridors, enhance regional connectivity, and deepen the building of the Asean community,” Mr Li said. The 14 memoranda of understanding signed on June 19 span the sharing of expertise in economy, tourism, trade and housing. The two countries also pledged to review visa-free travel arrangements.