China says Anwar’s visit of ‘great significance’ for both nations

BEIJING – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s four-day visit to China is described by the host nation as having “great significance” as the ties between the two countries are “close and special”. 

This was conveyed by Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang during a work call with his Malaysian counterpart Datuk Seri Zambry Abd Kadir here yesterday. 

Among the issues the two discussed, Zambry said, were regional and global strategic security. 

“We agreed that both countries require peace, security, and stability to realise their socioeconomic goals. For this reason, Malaysia and China will work closely together to achieve these aims. It was also agreed that close cooperation between the two countries is mutually beneficial,” he told Malaysian reporters here last night. 

This came after China’s pledge to sign a treaty ensuring Asean remains a nuclear weapons-free zone on the heels of the United States expediting the sale of nuclear-powered submarines and technology to Australia.

Qin had announced China’s commitment when he met Asean secretary-general Kao Kim Hourn here earlier this week. 

Qin and Zambry also discussed specific projects and initiatives in the economic, trade, investment, educational and agricultural fields that are expected to benefit the peoples of both countries. 

Senior officials of both countries are also mandated to strengthen bilateral ties in a more meaningful way as Malaysia and China commemorate the 10th anniversary of their comprehensive strategic partnership this year. 

The two will also usher in the 50th year of the establishment of diplomatic relations next year. 

In addition, Qin and Zambry spoke about the similarities between Anwar’s Malaysia Madani concept and China President Xi Jinping’s vision of a “Community of Shared Future for Mankind”.  

Anwar is in China for a four-day official visit, making him among the first few foreign leaders visiting Beijing after Xi was re-elected for a precedent-breaking third term earlier this month and the appointment of Li Qiang as premier. 

As part of the prime minister’s itinerary, Anwar is scheduled to meet Xi, Li and other leaders, as well as high-profile investors and the Malaysian diaspora. 

Prior to arriving in Beijing, he will also be speaking at the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2023 held in Hainan. – The Vibes, March 29, 2023