China plays key role in keeping regional stability, development: Malaysian PM

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak said on Tuesday that China can play a central role in South East Asia as a force for stability, development and good.

Najib made this remarks at an opening ceremony of an industrial park jointly built by the two countries. Jia Qinglin, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, also attended the ceremony.

"The official launch of the Malaysia-China Kuantan Industrial Park marks a new chapter in the relationship between our two countries: a relationship that has matured beyond expectations," said Najib.

Najib recalled the historical visit to Beijing four decades ago by his late father, then Malaysian Prime Minister Tun Abdul Razak, saying that Malaysia boldly broke the ice of the Cold War.

In 1974, Malaysia became the first Southeast Asian nation to establish diplomatic relations with China. "It was the beginning of a partnership of great promise," said Najib.

"Today, our nations are closely connected. China is Malaysia' s largest export market, and accounts for a sixth of our imports. Over the next five years, we expect two-way trade to reach 100 billion U.S. dollars," said Najib.

This economic relationship rests on solid diplomatic foundations, said Najib, adding that Malaysia has long believed China can play a central role in South East Asia as a force for stability, development and good.

"This tradition of mutual trust in pursuit of shared opportunity continues to this day," said Najib, adding that a 5- Year Development Program for Economic and Trade Cooperation will map opportunities for bilateral co-operation between now and 2017.

"Over the past decade, the world has come to terms with a model where China's need for resources has created new patterns of trade and influence," said Najib.

"Now the world is beginning to recognize that Chinese innovation and domestic demand will prove just as potent a force in the global economy. So on economic co-operation - and diplomatic - I am proud to say that Malaysia is ahead of the curve, " he added.

At the end of his speech, Najib said that he looked forward to building closer ties with the new Chinese leadership that will assume office later this year.

"Our interests - reform, stability and growth often overlap. In keeping with four decades of tradition, we remain partners for prosperity and peace," he said.

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