Beijing, October 20, 2023 – In a significant move to bolster regional ties, Chinese Premier Li Qiang met with Malaysia’s King Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar on Friday in Beijing. The two leaders discussed expanding trade and deepening infrastructure cooperation as both nations approach the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
Premier Li emphasized the strong foundation of mutual trust and longstanding friendship between China and Malaysia. “Our countries stand at a historical juncture, marching forward hand in hand towards building a China-Malaysia community with a shared future,” he stated.
Li called for enhanced collaboration to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of both countries. He highlighted the need for close high-level exchanges, promotion of traditional friendship, and expansion of mutually beneficial cooperation. “China is willing to work with Malaysia to achieve more practical results and bring more benefits to the people of both countries,” Li affirmed.
Addressing economic ties, Premier Li urged both sides to leverage their complementary advantages to expand bilateral trade. He advocated for the steady advancement of flagship projects like the East Coast Rail Link and encouraged deeper cooperation in infrastructure and aerospace sectors.
Furthermore, Li proposed expanding cooperation in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, the digital economy, and new energy. He underscored the importance of promoting integrated industrial development and maintaining stable and smooth industrial and supply chains. “China supports more competent Chinese enterprises to invest in Malaysia,” he added.
The Chinese Premier also called for boosting cultural and people-to-people exchanges in areas like youth, education, culture, and tourism. “Facilitating personnel exchanges will continuously enhance mutual understanding and friendship,” he noted.
On regional cooperation, Li expressed China’s willingness to work with Malaysia and other Asian countries to uphold the central position of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). He emphasized promoting regional economic integration and building an Asia characterized by common prosperity, peace, openness, and inclusivity.
King Sultan Ibrahim expressed optimism about the development opportunities presented by China’s vast market. He highlighted Malaysia’s active participation in the Belt and Road Initiative and looked forward to enhancing cultural exchanges and strengthening cooperation in economy, trade, industry, investment, high technologies, agriculture, and education.
“Malaysia highly appreciates the constructive role China plays in international and regional affairs,” the King remarked. He affirmed Malaysia’s commitment to promoting the development of the ASEAN-China comprehensive strategic partnership and expressed willingness to engage in constructive dialogue to make the South China Sea a sea of peace, friendship, and cooperation.
Reference(s):
Chinese premier urges expansion of trade between China, Malaysia
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