Dr M leads delegation to Belt and Road forum, to meet Xi and Premier Li

PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad will lead a Malaysian delegation to the Second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation (BRF) in Beijing, China from April 24 to 28.

He will be accompanied by his wife Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali and several ministers, including Foreign Affairs Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah and International Trade and Industry Datuk Darell Leiking.

The Foreign Affairs Ministry said Dr Mahathir was invited to share his views during the second BRI forum’s High Level Meeting and the Leaders’ Roundtable themed “Strengthening Policy Synergy and Building Closer Partnership”.

According to the ministry, a total of 37 world leaders had confirmed their participation in the forum, as of April 23.

“The Prime Minister’s attendance at the second BRF is significant, given that Malaysia has continuously support the Belt and Road Initiative, especially on key development issues such as policy synergy, infrastructure development, financial cooperation and people-to-people connectivity.”

Dr Mahathir is also set to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang respectively.

“During the meetings, both sides are expected to discuss various bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interests.

“Li and Dr Mahathir will also witness the signing of MoU on Palm Oil Cooperation.”

Dr Mahathir will also be visiting high-tech companies in Beijing, such as Huawei Technologies and SenseTime Private Ltd.

Dr Mahathir will also meet key investors, international capital market analysts, as well as renowned business community based in Beijing.

“China is a close friend and an important partner to Malaysia. This visit is expected to strengthen the long-standing friendship between Malaysia and China, as well as foster wide-ranging cooperation between the two countries,” the ministry added.