China considers bilateral relations with Malaysia currently to be at the best level in history, said visiting Malaysian prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
"He (China's president Xi Jinping) places ties between China and Malaysia as the top priority according to his opinion," he said after a bilateral meeting with Xi, here on Saturday.
He also hoped that the comprehensive strategic partnership would be strengthened and become more productive besides raising its outcome.
Najib, who is also the Malaysian finance minister, is here to attend the Boao Forum For Asia (BFA) 2015.
This represents his fifth official visit to China, and his first to the forum which was conceived after the annual World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
The prime minister said such visits were most important and beneficial as they could further strengthen the bilateral ties.
"Not only formally but also in terms of personal ties which make our relations stronger," he told the Malaysian media after the 45-minute bilateral meeting.
Najib said both leaders also touched on various issues including, trade, tourism, defence and education.
He said president Xi was happy with developments with regard to the Xiamen University.
He said they also spoke about the need to promote the arrival of more Chinese tourists to Malaysia.
He said that after two incidents, namely the MH370 tragedy and the abduction case in east Sabah, the number of tourists from China had declined more than nine per cent last year.
Thus, he said the government must make more determined efforts to restore the situation, among them the abolition of visa fees for tourists from China.
"This will help the Chinese people to visit Malaysia, and secondly, our initiative to open a consulate office in Nanning and Xi an, expected to materialise this year, will enable us to set up a visa processing centre.
"We have also discussed cooperation in the field of defence. There will be a first military exercise between Malaysia and China," he said.
Najib said he was also thankful for the participation of China in the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace (LIMA) Exhibition recently and the cooperation between the two nations in fighting terrorism was highly appreciated by China.
Najib said president Xi had also stated that China would give full cooperation to ensure the success of Malaysia's role as Asean chairman this year.
"They will fully support our initiatives," he said adding that China would also cooperate with Malaysia when Malaysia becomes a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council in the discussions for reforms.
Najib said he also thanked China for their help during the floods in Malaysia.
Bernama
Sat Mar 28 2015
NAJIB: The government must make more determined efforts to promote the arrival of more Chinese tourists in Malaysia. - Bernama Photo
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.