KUALA LUMPUR -- Malaysia has significantly benefited from China's rapid economic growth over the past few decades, and both countries are cooperating well in areas such as digital sector, e-commerce, renewable energy, pollution control, Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof said on Wednesday.

In his keynote address at the opening ceremony of the Belt and Road Symposium Malaysia, Fadillah said the principles of "Malaysia Madani" resonate with the concept of a global community of shared future, explaining that both concepts share common goals of achieving comprehensive and sustainable development for all people regardless of race, social class or religion.

Fadillah speaks highly of China's success in eradicating poverty, saying it serves as an inspiring example for Malaysia to emulate and learn from. "We are devising tailored policies to alleviate poverty within our nation, drawing inspiration from China's effective approach," he said.

Fadilah stressed that he looks ahead with optimism and hope for the bright future of the Malaysia-China relationship. "I want to reaffirm the Government of Malaysia's strong and enduring commitments in strengthening our connections built on a history of friendship, mutual respect, and shared objectives," he added.

Zheng Xuefang, Charge d'Affaires of the Chinese embassy in Malaysia, said China is willing to promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation with Malaysia, and make deeper and more substantive progress towards a China-Malaysia community with a shared future.

With the theme "The Path Ahead for Malaysia Madani and BRI", the symposium is organized by the Southeast Asia Research Centre for Humanities (SEARCH) and the Centre of Regional Strategic Studies (CROSS). It brings together more than 350 influential figures, government leaders, policymakers, academics, industry experts and business innovators, to participate in conversations and share forward-thinking insights on the economy, technology and green initiatives.