KUALA LUMPUR, June 20 – China will continue to work with Malaysia in advancing their friendship and bilateral relations for mutual benefits and a brighter future for both nations, said its Premier Li Qiang.
Speaking at a dinner to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Malaysia-China bilateral relations, which was attended by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim here on Wednesday, Li said the relationship is a fine example of relations between countries in the region.
Li emphasised the milestone as a new starting point for both nations to chart a stronger and more prosperous shared future together.
“Be it in the past, present or future, friendship remains the defining feature of China-Malaysia relations. We have brought this relationship to a new starting point, and we share the aspiration to carry it forward to future generations,” he said.
Towards that, Li highlighted four proposals that both countries can focus on to build a stronger relationship going forward.
The first, he said is to enhance the traditional friendship and consolidate the foundation for bilateral relations.
Secondly, Li said there is a need to synergise development strategies of the two countries while expanding on their mutual interests.
“It is important to develop greater synergy between the Belt and Road Initiative and the Madani Economy Framework, step up trade in agricultural and other products, and tap the potential for cooperation in emerging areas, such as green energy and advanced manufacturing, so as to deliver more benefits to our two peoples,” he said.
On the third suggestion, the Chinese premier highlighted on the need to deepen exchanges and mutual learning to promote further understanding of the peoples in the two countries, including in the fields of arts and culture, tourism, education and sports.
Fourthly, Li proposed for a strengthened solidarity and coordination between China and Malaysia in the international arena to address global challenges together.
Li, who is here for a three-day official visit since Tuesday, recalled that 50 years ago, Malaysia had withstood the Cold War pressure to establish a formal relation with China, taking the lead among ASEAN countries.
“Over the past 50 years of diplomatic ties, China and Malaysia have treated each other with kindness and sincerity, and have remained good neighbours, good friends and good partners.
“Our two countries have rendered each other firm support in exploring the development paths suited to our national conditions. Ours is a fine example of relations between the countries in the region,” he said.
Li also noted that China has been Malaysia’s largest trading partner for 15 consecutive years.
He highlighted that fruits from Malaysia like durian and mangosteen are famous among Chinese consumers.
In 2023, China remains Malaysia’s largest trading partner for 15 consecutive years since 2009, with a trade volume of RM450.84 billion (US$98.90 billion).
“Going forward, China will march ahead together with Malaysia towards modernisation, champion friendship as the overarching theme in our bilateral relations, and write a new chapter of a shared future,” he said.
This is Li’s inaugural official visit to Malaysia since taking office in March 2023.
