Anwar, President Xi hold meeting to deepen bilateral, traditional friendship

Xi and his delegation arrived at the Prime Minister's official residence at 5.05 pm where they were warmly received by Anwar.

Anwar and Xi are expected to discuss ways to invigorate bilateral cooperation as well as exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual interest.

This visit marks Xi's second official visit to Malaysia in 12 years, after the last visit in 2013, amidst challenging geopolitical and geoeconomic scenarios.

The Chinese President hopes the visit will further deepen the traditional friendship and strengthen political mutual trust between the two nations.

Both leaders are also expected to witness the exchange of Memorandum of Understanding (Mou), agreements, and notes between Malaysia and China, followed by an official dinner hosted by Anwar in honour of Xi.

Earlier at Istana Negara, Xi was accorded a state welcoming ceremony followed by an audience with His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia and attended a state banquet hosted by the King.

Xi's three-day state visit to Malaysia at the invitation of Sultan Ibrahim started yesterday.

The visit is part of the Chinese President's first State Visit series this year, which also includes Vietnam and Cambodia.

As the current Chair of ASEAN and the Country Coordinator for ASEAN-China Dialogue Relations, Malaysia reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between ASEAN and China through dialogue, mutual trust, and people-centred initiatives.

Malaysia and China established diplomatic relations on May 31, 1974, and commemorated the 50th anniversary of the ties last year.

Since 2009, China has remained Malaysia's largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years.

In 2024, total trade between the two countries was valued at RM484.12 billion, accounting for 16.8 per cent of Malaysia's total global trade of RM2.879 trillion.

-- BERNAMA