KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 11 (NNN-BERNAMA) – Malaysia aims to build upon its historical position, as a key trading hub, as it strengthens cooperation in the China-ASEAN context, Malaysian Foreign Minister, Zambry Abdul Kadir, said yesterday.
This will allow Malaysia to realise its potential, in fully capitalising on its strategic location, as the gateway to regional markets, regional resources, and other ventures of regional importance, he said, in his opening remarks at the Sixth Zheng He Forum 2023.
Zambry said, the history of the country and region was inextricably linked with longstanding trade, societal and cultural contacts with China, through Ming Dynasty navigator, Zheng He.
“Zheng He’s voyages in the Malay Archipelago and their momentous impact on civilisation, are a reminder of Malaysia’s foreign policy outlook. Malaysia must envision itself to be a ‘bridging linchpin’ between the Pacific and the Indian Ocean regions, and to be a hub and gateway to a shared identity, prosperity, and security across Southeast Asia and beyond.”
He added, it is important to acknowledge the convergence of the two regions of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, that has well-positioned Malaysia’s dynamic role, past and future. Modern day Malaysia shows how Malaysia’s foreign policy has capitalised on the converging points.
The three-day forum brings together various scholars, discussing the impact of Zheng He, on the ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations) region.– NNN-BERNAMA
