GEORGE TOWN, Aug 11 — Malaysia intends to improve diplomatic engagement with China to ensure the two countries form a strong strategic partnership, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Anwar said China Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit to Malaysia is a significant one, and the trip by the senior official reflects the nations’ strong bond.
“Our position is to ensure our relationship with China remains strong and is further enhanced, from the normal diplomatic engagement to a strong strategic partnership,” he told reporters after receiving a courtesy call by Wang and Chinese delegates here today.
Anwar thanked Wang for facilitating many major Chinese investments in Malaysia.
Earlier, Wang had a four-eye meeting with Anwar for about 25 minutes at a hotel here, before they were joined by Transport Minister Anthony Loke; Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing; Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang and caretaker Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow for further discussion.
Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said the visit will further strengthen bilateral strategic ties.
He said during the discussion, both nations explored ways of intensifying collaboration in research and education.
“We mainly discussed trade and investment but we also touched on education, as we (Malaysia) have a significant number of Chinese students, about 60,000 here, and they intend to increase the number of Malaysian students in China,” he said.
China has remained Malaysia’s largest trading partner since 2009, with a trade volume of US$110.6 billion (RM488 billion) recorded last year.
In terms of investment, China was the largest foreign direct investor in Malaysia last year, with investments amounting to US$12.5 billion.
Malaysia’s total exports to China increased by 9.4 per cent, to RM210.62 billion in 2022, while imports from China saw a 20.7 per cent increase, to RM276.5 billion the same year.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Malaysia and China, and both countries will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the start of their diplomatic ties next year, signifying their long-standing friendship and robust cooperation in various sectors, said Anwar.
— Bernama
