Kuala Lumpur: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim received a courtesy call from Liu Jianchao, minister of the international department of the central committee of the Communist Party of China at Perdana Putra, in Putrajaya yesterday.
Anwar said that both leaders discussed the upcoming official visit by Chinese premier Li Qiang in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of bilateral ties between the two countries this year.
He added that they also agreed to strengthen economic cooperation, especially investment from China, and to increase interconnectivity and to continue working together in the areas of education and youth.
“Liu and I also shared similar views on strengthening inter-party relations and a strong commitment and stand in the humanitarian conflict involving Palestine.
“Relations between Malaysia and China will continue to be strengthened for the prosperity of citizens of both countries,” Anwar posted on Facebook last night.
The foreign ministry had earlier issued a statement announcing Liu’s two-day working visit to Malaysia that began yesterday, which was aimed at fostering closer cooperation between political parties in both countries, and to discuss regional and international issues with shared interests.
Liu also paid a courtesy call to deputy prime minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, transport minister Loke Siew Fook and foreign minister Mohamad Hasan during his working visit.
Wisma Putra also said that Liu’s visit added meaning to the 50th anniversary of Malaysia-China diplomatic ties ever since they were upgraded to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2013.
Malaysia-China diplomatic ties were established since the Joint Communique between Prime Minister Tun Abdul Razak and Prime Minister Zhou Enlai on May 31, 1974.
China is Malaysia’s biggest trading partner for 15 consecutive years, with a total value of RM450.84 billion (US$ 98.80 billion) in 2023.
