KUALA LUMPUR, June 20 — Malaysia and China have agreed to extend visa exemption to promote friendly ties.
In a joint statement released today, China agreed to extend the facility until the end of 2025, while Malaysia will extend its visa exemption until end-2026.
“Both leaders (Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and China Premier Li Qiang) welcomed the keen interest to continue consultations and discussions on mutual visa exemption to facilitate entry for Malaysia and China citizens,” it said.
The statement said both sides agreed to strengthen collaboration on vocational education, joint scientific research and digital education, jointly set up institutes for advanced study, enhance interactions between think tanks and higher learning institutions, promote mutual visits between teachers and students, and improve cultural exchange and mutual learning.
“Both sides welcomed more cooperation in the fields of media, news and publications, films and broadcast to improve mutual understanding and friendship, between their peoples, especially the young generations,” it said.
Malaysia and China also agreed to cooperate on the multinational nomination to inscribe the element of the lion dance on Unesco’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list, as both sides consider the lion dance a form of shared history.
It also said the two countries confirmed a new round of joint research on panda protection to commemorate their 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations, and strengthen scientific research cooperation.
Li ended his three-day official visit to Malaysia today.
— Bernama
