PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia and China signed a total of 31 Memoranda of Understanding (MOU), Notes and cooperations, covering strategic areas such as security, development, trade, transport, agriculture, education and digital technology.
The exchange of documents took place at the Seri Perdana Complex, here on Wednesday (April 16).
The ceremony was witnessed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Chinese President Xi Jin Ping.
Among the key agreements signed with ministries and agencies include, a MOU on Mutual Visa Exemption for Holders of Passports for Public Affairs and Ordinary Passports as well as a MOU on Cooperation in Trade in Services, with the Home Ministry.
On the giant pandas, the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister signed a MOU on the Cooperative Research Agreement on the International Conservation of Giant Pandas.
Under the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry, three MOUs were signed including a MOU for Upgrading China-Malaysia “Two Countries, Twin Parks”.
Under the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry, three Mous were signed, including a MOU on Tourism and Media Cooperation between Xinhua News Agency from China and Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board (Tourism Malaysia).
Under Wisma Putra, a MOU was signed with China International Development Cooperation Agency of China on Strengthening Development Cooperation and Promoting the Implementation of the Global Development Initiative (GDI).
There was also an Exchange of Notes between China and Malaysia on the Establishment of a Joint Foreign and Defence Dialogue.
Under the Transport Ministry, Malaysia and China signed a MOU between the National Railway Administration of China and the Transport Ministry on Strengthening Cooperation in the Railway Sector.
Aside from that, a MOU was signed between the Digital Ministry and National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), China on Digital Economy.
Under the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, the ministry signed a MOU on Cooperation in the Field of Intellectual Property.
Several MOUs were also signed with media groups and universities including, a MOU on Bilateral Cooperation between China's People's Daily and Star Media Group Bhd was also signed.
This visit marks Xi's second official visit to Malaysia in 12 years, after the last visit in 2013, amidst challenging geopolitical and geoeconomic scenarios.