KUALA LUMPUR – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim received a courtesy call from the Communist Party of China’s Central Committee International Department Minister Liu Jianchao, at Perdana Putra, Putrajaya yesterday.
Anwar said that both leaders discussed the upcoming official visit by Premier Li Qiang in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of Malaysia-China bilateral ties this year. They also agreed to strengthen economic cooperation – especially investment from China, increase interconnectivity and continue working together in the areas of education and youth.
“Liu and I also shared similar views on strengthening inter-party relations as well as a strong commitment and stand in the humanitarian conflict involving Palestine.
“Malaysia and China relations will continue to be strengthened for the prosperity of citizens of both countries,” the prime minister posted on Facebook yesterday.
The Foreign Ministry had earlier issued a statement announcing Liu’s two-day working visit to Malaysia beginning yesterday. It is aimed at fostering closer cooperation between political parties in both countries, and to discuss regional and international issues with shared interests.
Liu also paid a courtesy call to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Transport Minister Anthony Loke and Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.
Wisma Putra also said that Liu’s visit added meaning to the 50th anniversary of Malaysia-China diplomatic ties ever since they were upgraded to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2013.
Malaysia-China diplomatic ties were established since the Joint Communique between former prime minister Tun Abdul Razak and his counterpart Zhou Enlai on May 31, 1974.
China is Malaysia’s biggest trading partner for 15 consecutive years, with a total value of RM450.84 billion (US$ 98.80 billion) in 2023. – March 30, 2024