Anwar touches down in Beijing for second leg of China visit

BEIJING – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim touched down here at 4.30pm, as he continues the second leg of his visit to China after his speech at the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2023 in Hainan this morning.

He was received at Beijing Capital International Airport by China’s Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Sun Weidong and China’s ambassador to Malaysia, Ouyang Yujing. 

The prime minister was also greeted by International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz; Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang; and Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing.

Also part of the Malaysian delegates are Ayer Hitam MP and MCA president Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong, deputy chief of mission Sanmugan Subramaniam, and spouse of the Malaysian ambassador to China, Tengku Datin Sofia Dora Tengku Mohamad.

Accompanying Anwar from Hainan are Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abd Kadir, Malaysian ambassador to China Raja Datuk Nushirwan Zainal Abidin, Transport Minister Anthony Loke, and Local Government Development Minister Nga Kor Ming, among others.

Anwar is scheduled to attend a buka puasa event tonight with the Malaysian diaspora in China, which is hosted by the Malaysian embassy and will be attended by more than 200 people.

His packed itinerary also includes a courtesy visit tomorrow with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People, where they will be discussing partnerships on trade and political cooperation, and exchanging views on the current international landscape.

He is also meeting China’s Premier Li Qiang the following day to witness, among others, the signing of at least three memoranda of understanding between the two governments.

Anwar is among the first few foreign leaders visiting Beijing after Xi was re-elected for a precedent-breaking third term and the appointment of Li as premier earlier this month. 

“The main aim of the visit is to enhance the bilateral relationship between China and Malaysia. China remains Malaysia’s largest trading partner since 2009. We will be able to witness the announcement of a significant investment from China to Malaysia, in addition to the presence of many corporate figures from both countries,” Zambry had said on Tuesday. – The Vibes, March 30, 2023