China visit has deepened bilateral relations, says King
BEIJING: His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, the King of Malaysia, says his state visit to China has further strengthened friendship and bilateral relations between the two countries.
He said many topics he had discussed with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang were well received by both leaders.
“The good relationship between Malaysia and China is based on trust and respect which enables close cooperation in almost all sectors.
“I hope the government will examine the results of this visit and take appropriate measures in the areas discussed including education, trade, investment as well as transport and connectivity,” His Majesty told the Royal Press Office at the conclusion of his state visit to China.
The King left for home yesterday after completing the four-day stay in China which started on Sept 19.
It was his first state visit to China as a Ruler – a significant trip in the year both countries celebrate their milestone 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
The King described China’s rise on the international scene in the last 20 years as amazing.
“The country has good examples for us to follow in the effort to restore Malaysia after the last few challenging years,” said Sultan Ibrahim.
His Majesty also praised the stance taken by China in opposing the inhumane actions of the Zionist regime against the Palestinian people.
Sultan Ibrahim said Malaysia is in line with China in expressing solidarity on the issue of peace in Palestine.
The King also expressed his appreciation to the Chinese government for the privilege accorded to Tunku Abdul Jalil, the Tunku Laksamana of Johor, when his late son was receiving treatment in the country.
“The Chinese government had given a special exemption to my son to undergo liver transplant surgery in China, even though he was a foreigner. I will always be grateful for this,” His Majesty added.
In conjunction with the golden jubilee of Malaysia-China relations, Sultan Ibrahim expressed his hope that the relationship between the two countries will continue to be fruitful and close for mutual benefit.
“The 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations is not only a highlight to celebrate but also an opportunity to strengthen cooperation towards a better future,” said the King.
His Majesty’s first visit to the republic after ascending the throne as the 17th King of Malaysia on Jan 31 was at Xi’s invitation.
The King’s visit reflects the close bilateral relationship between Malaysia and China, which has been growing rapidly since it was upgraded to Comprehensive Strategic Cooperation in 2013.
This was the first state visit by a Yang di-Pertuan Agong to China in a decade, marking a significant moment for both nations to celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties.
In 2014, the late Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah, then 14th Yang di-Pertuan Agong, also visited China at Xi’s invitation, in celebration of the 40th anniversary of Malaysia-China relations, established on May 31, 1974.
This visit was the second by His Majesty, with the first being to Singapore on May 6 at the invitation of Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam. — Bernama
