China to extend visa-free travel for Malaysians to 30 days

BEIJING: China is set to extend visa-free travel for Malaysian tourists from 15 to 30 days, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

The Deputy Prime Minister, who is on his first official visit in China, made the announcement during a luncheon hosted by Chinese vice premier Ding Xuexiang in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of Malaysia-China diplomatic relations at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse here on Friday (May 31).

“I would like to announce that both countries have agreed (to extend the visa-free travel to 30 days).

“The implementation will be signed at a later date,” he said in his speech.

Ahmad Zahid had on Wednesday (May 29) raised the matter during a courtesy call with Chinese Premier Li Qiang.

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The meeting on Friday was in conjunction with the Deputy Prime Minister's first official visit to the republic from May 22 to Saturday (June 1) at the invitation of Xuexiang.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Minister of Rural and Regional Development, arrived at 10am to hold a discussion with his counterpart for about an hour.

In their welcome speeches, Bernama reported, he and Xuexiang expressed their appreciation of the diplomatic relations established between Malaysia and China since May 31, 1974.

After the discussion session, Ahmad Zahid is scheduled to attend the Celebration Ceremony of the 50th Anniversary of Malaysia-China Diplomatic Relations co-hosted by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) and the Malaysian Embassy in Beijing.

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Ahmad Zahid, who is also the National Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Committee chairman, was accompanied by Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Mohamad Alamin and Malaysian Ambassador to China Datuk Norman Muhamad.

Apart from that, he is scheduled to pay a courtesy call on State Councillor and Public Security Minister Wang Xiaohong in the Chinese capital this afternoon.

Ahmad Zahid will also host the Gala Reception for the 50th Anniversary of Malaysia-China Diplomatic Relations in the evening.

Earlier, a Wisma Putra statement said the Deputy Prime Minister’s official visit was to strengthen bilateral relations and is expected to explore opportunities for cooperation, especially in the field of education focusing on TVET, halal industry development as well as people-to-people exchanges.