In a significant display of bilateral cooperation, Chinese President Xi Jinping lauded the strong ties between China and Malaysia during a meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Beijing on Thursday.
President Xi described Malaysia as China's \"good neighbor, friend, and partner,\" highlighting the sustained close interactions and high-quality cooperation between the two nations since Prime Minister Anwar's inaugural visit to China last March. This partnership has delivered tangible benefits to both peoples, contributing to their respective stages of national development and rejuvenation.
Marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the China-Malaysia Year of Friendship, Xi emphasized the importance of building a more concrete China-Malaysia community with a shared future. He called for collaborative efforts to achieve development goals and enhance regional prosperity and stability.
Xi advocated for the development of a high-level strategic partnership, fostering close high-level exchanges, and strengthening the exchange of governance experiences. He underscored the necessity of enhancing political mutual trust and steadfastly supporting each other's core interests and major concerns.
Supporting Malaysia's strategic autonomy, Xi encouraged both nations to align their development strategies, deepen comprehensive mutually beneficial cooperation, and promote high-quality Belt and Road initiatives. He highlighted flagship projects like the Malaysia-China \"Two Countries, Twin Parks\" and emphasized creating new growth points in the digital economy, artificial intelligence, and new energy sectors. Additionally, he proposed exploring a poverty reduction cooperation mechanism.
Inviting Malaysia to leverage the China International Import Expo platform, Xi encouraged the export of more high-quality Malaysian specialty products to China. He also expressed China's willingness to deepen collaborations in higher education, culture, tourism, youth engagement, and local affairs to strengthen the bond of friendship between the two peoples.
Addressing the global context, Xi noted the world has entered a new period of turbulence and transformation. As major representatives of developing countries and emerging economies in Asia, China and Malaysia are urged to enhance communication and coordination on international and regional issues, firmly supporting each other.
Both nations were called upon to jointly oppose protectionism, promote trade and investment liberalization and facilitation, advocate for a multipolar world, and support inclusive economic globalization. Xi emphasized the need to drive reforms in the global governance system, safeguarding international fairness and justice, and the common interests of developing countries.
In support of Malaysia's upcoming role as the rotating chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) next year, Xi reaffirmed China's support for ASEAN's centrality and strategic autonomy, aiming to maintain the mainstream of development and cooperation in the region.
Reference(s):
President Xi: Malaysia is China's good neighbor, friend and partner
cgtn.com
