PETALING JAYA: While the state visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping is taking place amidst challenging geopolitical and geoeconomic scenarios, it was planned in advance as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral relations, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister’s senior press secretary Tunku Nashrul Abaidah said Malaysia is a trading nation that practises openness and balanced relations with all its international partners.
“As the Asean Chair for 2025, Malaysia also shoulders the important responsibility to continue to support regional inclusivity and peace,” he said during the Prime Minister’s Office daily briefing yesterday.
Meanwhile, Wisma Putra said the Chinese president will undertake a three-day state visit to Malaysia starting today.
The Foreign Ministry said the visit is at the invitation of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia.
During his visit, Xi will be accorded a state welcoming ceremony, followed by an audience with Sultan Ibrahim at Istana Negara.
His Majesty will also host a state banquet in honour of Xi and his delegation.
Accompanied by Cabinet ministers and senior government officials, Xi is scheduled to hold a meeting with Anwar.
The meeting between the two leaders is to discuss bilateral cooperation and exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual interest, it said.
“Both leaders will then witness the exchange of Memoranda of Understanding, Agreements and Notes between Malaysia and China,” the statement said.
Anwar will also host an official dinner at the Seri Perdana Complex in Putrajaya in honour of Xi.
The visit is part of Xi’s first tour of state visits in 2025, which also includes stops in Vietnam and Cambodia.
Xi’s last state visit to Malaysia was in 2013, during which both countries elevated diplomatic relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Malaysia and China established diplomatic relations on May 31, 1974. Both countries, having marked the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations last year, enjoy strong bilateral ties.
