CHINA’s President Xi Jinping's recent state visit to Malaysia has underscored the enduring and evolving friendship between the two nations.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim described the visit as a symbol of the longstanding and genuine bond between Malaysia and China, built on trust, respect, and sincerity.
He highlighted that in an increasingly challenging world, China stands as a rational, stable, and principled partner, and Malaysia values this stability, aiming to continue its friendship rooted in history and looking towards a shared future.
Anwar referenced the Malay proverb "air dicincang tidak akan putus" (water cut will not break), emphasising that despite the tests of time, the relationship between Malaysia and China remains strong and unbroken.
He expressed hope that the Malaysia-China friendship continues to blossom as deeply as the ocean, as steadfast as the stars in the sky, and as brilliant as the hopes that herald future prosperity.
The visit, which began on Tuesday at the invitation of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, marked Xi's second official trip to Malaysia in 12 years.
During his stay, Xi was accorded a state welcome, had an audience with Sultan Ibrahim at the National Palace, and attended a state banquet hosted by the King.
The visit concluded today as President Xi and his delegation departed for Cambodia after a three-day stay in Malaysia.
A joint statement issued at the conclusion of the visit reaffirmed the commitment of both countries to deepening cooperation in culture, tourism, and education, aiming to build a high-level strategic Malaysia-China community with a shared future.
The statement highlighted plans to enhance tourism collaboration through joint promotional efforts, foster a safe and welcoming environment for travelers, and promote deeper cultural exchange and mutual understanding between the peoples of both nations.
The two countries also agreed to promote meaningful dialogue between Islam and Confucianism to foster interfaith understanding and cultural exchange.
Through mutual learning, Malaysia and China aim to encourage the common development of Chinese and Islamic civilizations and jointly uphold Asian values based on peace, cooperation, openness, and inclusiveness.
On the education front, Malaysia and China committed to enhancing cooperation across vocational training, scientific research, and digital education.
They expressed support for ongoing efforts between Xiamen University and Universiti Malaya to establish the China-Malaysia International Institute for Advanced Studies, and between Peking University and Universiti Malaya to set up the China-Malaysia AI+New Materials Joint Laboratory.
Zhejiang University is also expected to collaborate with the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation in areas related to digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and smart city development.
In addition, both countries welcomed the joint establishment of Belt and Road research laboratories and announced plans for the Communication University of China and Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman to co-found the ASEAN Research Centre of Community with a Shared Future.
Academic exchanges will also be expanded, with both countries supporting greater interaction between think tanks and institutions of higher education, including mutual visits among academic staff and students, as well as increased two-way student exchanges.
The two governments also acknowledged the implementation of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Malaysian Institute of Translation and Books and the National Press and Publication Administration of China, aimed at enhancing collaboration in the translation and publication of literary classics from both countries.
In the health sector, both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation and promote traditional medicine as part of broader healthcare collaboration.
President Xi's visit highlights the deepening ties between Malaysia and China, focusing on shared values, mutual respect, and a commitment to collaborative growth in various sectors. – April 17, 2025
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