New benchmark to propel ties to greater heights

PUTRAJAYA: The close friendship between China and Malaysia has reached a new benchmark with both countries prepared to strengthen ties even further, says Chinese Premier Li Qiang.

Despite changes in international dynamics, Li said relations between the two countries have been moving steadily forward.

This is because China and Malaysia have always been committed to sincere friendship and “win-win cooperation”.

According to Li, China is ready to work with Malaysia and will accelerate the creation of a China-Malaysia community with a shared future.

“China is willing to work with Malaysia on the construction of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) and the ‘Two Countries, Twin Parks’, while expanding trade and investment promoting cooperation in logistics, artificial intelligence, digital economy and railway equipment, as well as strengthening cooperation in poverty reduction,” he said.

Li called on China and Malaysia to increase cultural exchanges and people-to-people programmes in tourism, education and culture, as well as between youth.

Malaysia and China should also promote the implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and conclude negotiations for the China-Asean free trade agreement, he added.

Li was speaking to Chinese national news agency Xinhua after a closed-door meeting with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at Perdana Putra yesterday.

After the meeting, the two witnessed the exchange of 14 MOUs where Malaysia and China will cooperate in various fields.

The Premier attended a luncheon hosted by Anwar at Seri Perdana and was later granted an audience with His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, at Istana Negara.

After the audience with Sultan Ibrahim, Li attended the groundbreaking ceremony of the ECRL Integrated Terminal Station in Gombak.

During the event, Li expressed his hope for both Malaysian and Chinese contractors to prioritise safety at the ECRL Integrated Terminal Station in Gombak and to comply with green environmental standards to ensure the project is completed on time.

Li said China is willing to work with Malaysia to make ECRL a model project for Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) cooperation.

According to Li, the transport sector is the pulse of a national economy as it is crucial to boost development, create jobs and improve the people’s livelihood.

After attending the ECRL groundbreaking ceremony, Li then departed to a five-star hotel in Kuala Lumpur where the 50th anniversary of Malaysia-China Diplomatic Relations reception was held.

He is expected to attend a luncheon with the business communities of both countries today.