Awaited presence: Xi delivering a speech at a dinner at Kompleks Seri Perdana in Putrajaya. — AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star
Xi: China, Malaysia steadfast in fending off trade shocks together
PUTRAJAYA: China and Malaysia will stand together to face global trade shocks and ensure the stability and prosperity of the Global South.
They will also work to combat geopolitical and camp-based confrontations as well unilateralism and protectionism, Chinese President Xi Jinping said.
He was speaking during the official dinner hosted for him by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim after a bilateral meeting at Kompleks Seri Perdana last night.
“Prime Minister Anwar and I reached a number of important common understandings on taking our broad cooperation to greater depths.
“Together, we will safeguard the bright prospects of our Asian family,” said Xi.
The visit, marked by a warm welcome by Malaysian leaders, included a cordial exchange between Xi and Anwar, where they discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation and bolstering regional stability and prosperity amid global uncertainties.
Several important understandings were also reached between the two nations in global security, artificial intelligence, visa-exemption, two-country twin-park development and railway sector development, to name a few.
Xi, whose last state visit was in 2013, expressed admiration for Malaysia’s progress.
“During my last visit, I was deeply impressed by Malaysia’s beautiful nature, diverse culture and kind people.
“Now, 12 years later, I am truly delighted to see Malaysia booming and making great strides in modernisation.
“I have no doubt that under the leadership of (the King of Malaysia) His Excellency Sultan Ibrahim and Prime Minister Anwar, Malaysia will become even more vigorous and achieve greater success in building a modern Malaysia Madani.”
Xi also acknowledged the long-standing relationship between the two nations, noting: “China and Malaysia are neighbours across the seas. We share a friendship that spans over a thousand years.”
Citing the Malay proverb, “Little by little, it becomes a hill”, Xi emphasised the evolving partnership between both nations.
“We are close friends and partners. Politically, we respect and trust each other; economically, we enjoy mutually beneficial cooperation, and culturally, we learn from and invigorate each other.
“This relationship is benefiting our people in real ways,” he said.
Xi also reiterated his vision for a high-level strategic China-Malaysia community with a shared future, aiming to set an example of unity and cooperation for the Global South.
“Together, we will energise modernisation in both of our countries and make greater new contributions to peace, stability and prosperity in our region and beyond,” he said.
