On 15 January 2025, Consul General Mr. Ahmad Phadil Ismail participated in the Release of the Top 10 News Stories on 2025 China-ASEAN Cooperation, at the Guangxi University. The event was co-organized by China International Communications Group (CICG), China Foreign Affairs University, Guangxi University and Guangxi International Communication Centre (GXICC).
During his remarks, the Consul General highlighted the friendly and resilient bilateral ties between Malaysia and China, underpinned by mutual respect, shared vision for the future and high-level leadership engagement. He further stressed that Guangxi has played an instrumental role in enhancing the bilateral relations through platforms such as the CAEXPO and the "Two Countries, Twin Parks" initiative.
He specially highlighted the outcomes of Malaysia's 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship. Key achievements included the adoption of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 as a new long-term regional roadmap, the landmark Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord between Thailand and Cambodia, and the historic formalization of Timor-Leste as ASEAN's 11th member.
In ASEAN-China relations, he welcomed the progress in the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) between the two parties with the signing of the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA) 3.0 Upgrade Protocol. He underscored the significant role of the inaugural ASEAN-GCC-China Summit hosted by Malaysia in reshaping global diplomacy and fostering deeper economic integration. He expressed optimism that it would unlock greater economic opportunities for all parties.
He also took the opportunity to promote Malaysia’s Visit Malaysia Year 2026, which aims to welcome over 35 million international tourists. He further shared Malaysia’s diverse attractions and encouraged more visitors to utilize the visa-free arrangement to explore the unique charm of Malaysia.
During the event, Dr. Tie Fatt Hee, the Honorary Professor of Faculty of Law, University Malaya also shared his insights on the ASEAN-China cooperation, in particular on the Malaysia-China collaboration in the past year.
After the opening ceremony, the Consul General was interviewed by media from CICG and CXICC, where he shared his perspectives on the book, Xi Jinping: The Governance of China, as well as his insights on promoting Malaysia-China collaboration in the sectors of trade and investment, cultural and people-to-people exchanges, and green development over the next five years in the context of China's 15th Five-year Plan.
Also in attendance were Mr. Li Guozhong, Secretary of the CPC GuangxiUniversity Committee, Mr. Yu Yunquan, Vice President of CICG, Ms. Sun Jisheng, Vice President of China Foreign Affairs University, Mr. Wang Jicai, Secretary-General of CAEXPO Secretariat, and diplomats from ASEAN missions in Nanning.