Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia and China’s foreign policies are shaped by a clear-eyed vision of both countries’ interests, as well as ASEAN centrality, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. As such, Anwar said Malaysia will remain an unwavering and principled friend to China, guided by the wisdom of history and the promise of a shared future between the two countries.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar highlighted China’s role as a rational, strong, and reliable partner, emphasizing Malaysia’s appreciation for this consistency. During an official dinner in honor of visiting Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Seri Perdana Complex, Anwar expressed his hopes for the enduring friendship between Malaysia and China, describing it as “deep as the seas, steady as the stars and bright with the promise of tomorrow.”
Anwar mentioned that Malaysia, as this year’s ASEAN Chair, anticipates welcoming China to the inaugural ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit in May. He reiterated that the friendship between Malaysia and China remains firm and steadfast, renewed through dialogue and affirmed through action for the peace and prosperity of both nations.
The Prime Minister further noted that Malaysia and China have historically stood together in both triumph and trial, not merely as comprehensive strategic partners, but as steadfast friends. He emphasized that this visit reaffirms a relationship grounded in respect, enriched by history, and sustained by a shared sense of purpose.
Anwar also addressed the global challenges facing multilateralism, suggesting that China’s international initiatives offer renewed hope. He praised China’s outward-looking approach and its commitment to renewal, highlighting President Xi’s leadership in embodying these virtues despite facing global challenges.
President Xi is on a three-day state visit to Malaysia, which began yesterday, at the invitation of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia. This visit marks Xi’s second official visit to Malaysia in 12 years, following his last visit in 2013, which upgraded the countries’ diplomatic relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
The event saw the attendance of key Malaysian leaders including Deputy Prime Ministers Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, among others. Also present were ministers from various sectors and BERNAMA News Agency’s Chief Executive Officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin.