GOOD TIES TO BENEFIT BOTH COUNTRIES
STRONG BOND: Xi vows to cement strategic partnership with Malaysia
CHINESE President Xi Jinping met Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak during the latter’s official visit to China from Oct 31 to Nov 5, and pledged to boost cooperation between the two countries in diverse areas and cement their strategic partnership.
Xi hailed the progress of relations since diplomatic ties were established 42 years ago, citing mutual respect, trust, win-win cooperation and close communications as the factors of success.
He urged both countries to maintain frequent high-level exchanges, deepen political trust, keep to the right direction of bilateral relations and continue to support each other on issues of concern.
Xi called on the two sides to combine their development strategies, and to lay a solid foundation for stronger trade cooperation.
China welcomed Malaysia’s participation in the Belt and Road Initiative, and was ready to work with the country to increase cooperation in infrastructure development, energy, technology, agriculture and finance.
Xi also urged stronger cooperation in education, culture, health and media, besides curbing terrorism and crossborder crime.
Najib congratulated Xi on the successful convening of the sixth plenary session of the 18th Communist Party of China Central Committee last week, and praised China’s economic and social development.
It had been proven that socialism with Chinese characteristics was a correct choice for China, he said.
Calling the two countries friendly
neighbours and trustworthy friends, he said Malaysia-China ties were currently at their highest level.
Malaysia was glad to see that China’s Belt and Road Initiative was getting warm response, Najib said, vowing to facilitate cooperation in trade, transport and port construction.
Malaysia was also committed to boosting Asean-China relations.
China and Malaysia had signed agreements on railway, energy, defence and joint development of Malaysia’s naval ships, after talks between Premier Li Keqiang and Najib on Nov 1.
Describing China and Malaysia as good neighbours, partners and friends, Li said China was willing to work with the Southeast Asian country to boost cooperation, stability, development and prosperity.
China would link the Belt and Road Initiative with Malaysia’s development strategies and build pilot programmes
for industrial cooperation, Li said.
“China and Malaysia can enhance cooperation in railways, including highspeed rail, to strengthen regional connectivity.”
He also called for further cooperation in finance, law enforcement, security and culture, particularly in operating the Xiamen University Malaysian campus.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the China-Asean dialogue, and Asean will also celebrate its 50th anniversary next year. Li said China staunchly supported the building of the Asean Community and its central role in regional cooperation.
Najib said Malaysia-China ties were in the best period in history, pointing to smooth progress in the development of joint industrial parks in Kuantan and Malacca.
He said Malaysia would also enhance relations between Asean and China for the region’s development.