PENANG Deputy Chief Minister I Prof Datuk Dr Mohamad Abdul Hamid has praised the Malaysia-China Friendship Association for its active participation in promoting regional cooperation between ASEAN and China.
He expressed his appreciation in his speech, delivered by state Agrotechnology, Food Security and Cooperative Development Committee chairman Fahmi Zainol, at the farewell dinner of the 14th Conference on ASEAN-China People-to-People Friendship Organisations at St Giles The Wembley Hotel in George Town yesterday (Sept 5).
The conference, which started on Sept 3, marked the second time the Malaysia-China Friendship Association played host to the conference, with the first one in 2014 in Kuala Lumpur.
“I am particularly enthusiastic about the active role played by non-governmental organisation (NGO) such as Malaysia-China Friendship Association in promoting regional cooperation, especially at the people-to-people level.
“As part of Asia, it is important to recognise that we have strong relations and understanding with each other.
“ASEAN-China relations have been very strong since the establishment of the dialogue partnership in 1990, and we have seen the benefits of this co-partnership in the vibrant trade, investment, tourism and people-to-people exchanges between the two sides,” he said.
Dr Mohamad added that Penang also looks forward to further strengthening the ASEAN and China friendship.
“Penang has been positively impacted by the close relationship between China and ASEAN neighbours.
“Penang receives a lot of tourists from China and ASEAN members, which support the local economy and provide employment opportunities for locals,” said Dr Mohamad.
Also present at the dinner were state Social Development, Welfare and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Lim Siew Khim, China-ASEAN Association president Madam Gu Xiu Lian and Malaysia-China Friendship Association president Datuk Abdul Majid Abdul Khan.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat