Building strong strategic partnership with China on Malaysia's agenda, says PM

GEORGE TOWN: Enhancing ties with China to build a strong strategic partnership is among Malaysia's main agenda, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

"Our position is that the Malaysian and Chinese ties remain very strong, and further enhanced from the normal diplomatic partnership through strong, strategic partnership," he said after a closed door meeting with Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi at the Eastern and Oriental hotel here on Friday (Aug 11).

Anwar said they spoke about various aspects of cooperation and collaboration, with a focus on investments, education and regional issues.

"I had discussions with him and other Malaysian ministers to strengthen the relationship on both sides.

"We have a strong personal bond and friendship that makes things easier for us to exchange privately, internationally and bilaterally between senior ministers from Malaysia, besides the exports of durians," he said.

Anwar then thanked Wang Yi for his role in facilitating significant Chinese investments in Malaysia such as petrochemical giant Rongsheng and carmaker Geely, along with other key players.

Wang Yi was here on a courtesy visit to see Anwar.