Anwar receives courtesy call from Chinese Communist Party International Department Minister

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim received a courtesy call from Liu Jianchao, Chinese Communist Party International Department Minister at Perdana Putra, Putrajaya, on Friday (March 29).

Anwar said that both leaders discussed the upcoming official visit by Premier Li Qiang in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of Malaysia-China bilateral ties this year during Liu’s visit. They also agreed to strengthen economic cooperation, especially investment from China, increase interconnectivity and continue working together in the areas of education and youth.

“Liu and I also shared similar views on strengthening inter-party relations and a strong commitment and stand in the humanitarian conflict involving Palestine.

“Relations between Malaysia and China will continue to be strengthened for the prosperity of citizens of both countries,” he posted on Facebook on Friday.

The Foreign Ministry issued a statement earlier announcing Liu’s two-day working visit to Malaysia, which began yesterday.

The visit was aimed at fostering closer cooperation between political parties in both countries and discussing regional and international issues with shared interests.

During his work visit, Liu also made a courtesy call to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Transport Minister Anthony Loke, and Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.

Wisma Putra also said that Liu’s visit added meaning to the 50th anniversary of Malaysia-China diplomatic ties ever since they were upgraded to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2013.

Malaysia-China diplomatic ties were established through the Joint Communique between Prime Minister Tun Abdul Razak and Prime Minister Zhou Enlai on May 31, 1974.

China is Malaysia’s biggest trading partner for 15 consecutive years, with a total value of RM450.84bil (US$ 98.80bil) in 2023. – BK