King: Both countries can further boost cooperation and connectivity
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia and China can continue to strengthen their cooperation despite various geopolitical gaps around the world, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, the King of Malaysia, says.
According to a post on Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar’s Facebook yesterday, His Majesty said Malaysia was focusing on deeper economic integration, strengthening the supply chain and industrial collaboration.
It also wanted to increase connectivity and uphold the principles of mutual respect and benefit in engagement with all partners, including China.
The King was speaking at a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping at Istana Negara here yesterday.
“I believe there is great potential for Chinese companies and investors to explore opportunities here, in line with the importance of regional connectivity and high-quality development under China’s ‘Belt and Road’ Initiative.
Royal host: Sultan Ibrahim hosting a state banquet in honour of Xi and members of his delegation at the Main Dining Hall in Istana Negara. Also present are Anwar (on Xi’s right), Ahmad Zahid (on the King’s left), Fadillah (left) and former deputy prime minister Tun Musa Hitam. — Bernama
“With strong strategic incentives and a good location, the Forest City special financial hub within the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) has emerged as one of the region’s prime investment locations,” said Sultan Ibrahim.
Sultan Ibrahim also agreed to invite the Chinese government to promote language exchanges between the two countries.
His Majesty said the number of student exchanges between the two countries had increased and Malaysia intended to send more students to China to exchange knowledge and culture.
“I believe language is an important bridge in strengthening bilateral relations. In this direction, I intend to actively promote the Sultan Ibrahim Malay Studies Chair at Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU),” said His Majesty.
Earlier, Xi was given a state welcome at Istana Negara in conjunction with his three-day state visit at the invitation of Sultan Ibrahim.
Xi, who arrived at the palace at 10.30am, was received by Sultan Ibrahim.
Also present were Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Deputy Prime Ministers Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, and Cabinet ministers.
The welcome ceremony began with the playing of the national anthems of both countries by the Royal Malay Regiment Central Band followed by a 21-gun salute by the 41st Battery of the Royal Artillery Regiment.
A gift: The King looking at the commemorative souvenir presented by Xi at Dewan Seri Maharaja, Istana Negara, Kuala Lumpur. — Bernama
The Chinese president then inspected the main Guard of Honour consisting of four officers and 103 personnel from the First Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment of Sungai Besi Camp.
Xi was then greeted with a welcoming dance performance by the National Department of Culture and Arts, Bernama reported.
Sultan Ibrahim then held a meeting with Xi and the Chinese delegation in addition to witnessing a commemorative souvenir presentation ceremony at Dewan Seri Maharaja.
This is Xi’s second official visit to Malaysia in 12 years, following the last visit in 2013 which saw the two countries upgrade diplomatic relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
For 16 consecutive years since 2009, China has remained Malaysia’s largest trading partner.
Total trade between the two countries is recorded at RM484.12bil in 2024, representing 16.8% of Malaysia’s total global trade (RM2.88 trillion).
