Touch of grace: Sultan Ibrahim and Xi being welcomed with a traditonal dance at Istana Negara. — Photo courtesy of Anwar’s Facebook page
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia has always been a food paradise and visiting Chinese President Xi Jinping had a taste of it during the state banquet held in his honour.
Xi was served satay, otak-otak, nasi briyani and Nyonya and Malay kuih, all traditional Malaysian delicacies.
The banquet was hosted by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, at Istana Negara.
It also featured cultural performances by the National Department for Culture and Arts.
Local singer Suki Low also mesmerised the Chinese delegation with her performance, which included the famous To Say I love You With Malaysian Weather.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Cabinet ministers were among those who attended the event.
Xi is in Malaysia for a three-day state visit that began on Tuesday.
The visit was part of a tour that includes stops in Vietnam and Cambodia.
Xi’s last state visit to Malaysia was in 2013, during which both countries elevated their diplomatic relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Malaysia and China established diplomatic relations on May 31, 1974, and celebrated the 50th anniversary of the relationship last year.
