Chinese Premier Urges Enhanced Trade and Infrastructure Cooperation with Malaysia
Beijing, The Gulf Observer: Chinese Premier Li Qiang called for an expansion of trade and deeper infrastructure cooperation between China and Malaysia on Friday during a meeting with Malaysia’s King Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, who is on a state visit to China. The discussions took place in Beijing and focused on strengthening bilateral ties as the two nations approach the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
Premier Li emphasized the strong foundation of mutual trust and the deep-rooted friendship between China and Malaysia. He highlighted that both countries are at a historical juncture, working together toward the goal of building a China-Malaysia community with a shared future.
“China is willing to work with Malaysia to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of our two nations, maintain close high-level exchanges, enhance strategic mutual trust, and expand mutually beneficial cooperation,” Li said. He added that these efforts would yield practical results and bring greater benefits to both countries’ populations.
Li also expressed China’s commitment to aligning development strategies with Malaysia, upgrading economic and trade cooperation, and enhancing connectivity between the two nations. He urged both sides to leverage their complementary advantages, expand bilateral trade, and advance key projects such as the East Coast Rail Link. Additionally, Li encouraged further cooperation in infrastructure, aerospace, artificial intelligence, the digital economy, and new energy sectors.
The Chinese Premier reaffirmed China’s support for more Chinese enterprises to invest in Malaysia and stressed the importance of boosting cultural and people-to-people exchanges in youth, education, culture, and tourism. Facilitating these exchanges, Li said, would help enhance mutual understanding and friendship between the two nations.
Li also underscored China’s commitment to working with Malaysia and other Asian countries to uphold the central role of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in regional cooperation, promote regional economic integration, and build an Asia characterized by common prosperity, peace, openness, and inclusivity.
King Sultan Ibrahim expressed Malaysia’s strong support for the Belt and Road Initiative, highlighting the potential development opportunities from China’s large market. He stated that Malaysia looks forward to utilizing the upcoming 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties to deepen cultural exchange and strengthen cooperation in areas such as economy, trade, industry, high technology, agriculture, and education.
The Malaysian monarch also commended China’s constructive role in international and regional affairs and expressed his nation’s willingness to promote the ASEAN-China comprehensive strategic partnership. Furthermore, he affirmed Malaysia’s commitment to engaging in constructive dialogue with China to ensure the South China Sea remains a region of peace, friendship, and cooperation.
This high-level meeting marks a significant step in enhancing the strategic partnership between China and Malaysia as both countries seek to bolster cooperation across various sectors.
