Anwar pays courtesy call on China’s Xi

BEIJING – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim paid a courtesy call on China’s President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People here this afternoon.

The prime minister was greeted by Xi upon arrival before the two proceeded to a meeting that lasted almost an hour.

This was the first face-to-face meeting between the two leaders since Anwar was appointed prime minister last November.

In remarks at the meeting, Xi said Malaysia had been the first Asean country to establish diplomatic relations with China, and noted that this year also marked the 10th anniversary of a comprehensive cooperative partnership between China and Malaysia.

“Next year, the two countries will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. The bilateral relationship is at a new historical starting point.”

Xi said both countries had reached a consensus on jointly building a “China-Malaysia community with a shared future” and that this would open a new chapter for friendly relations between the two countries.

Anwar then expressed Malaysia’s gratitude for the visit and meeting with Xi, also praising Chinese leadership for efforts to reform China and raise it to greater heights.

Describing his official visit as an honour for Malaysia, Anwar added that his trip is being monitored closely by Malaysians who have “much affection” and respect for China.

“We Malaysians generally owe to China a big deal in term of investment, economic achievement and construction,” Anwar said.

The imposing Great Hall of the People, with Sino-Soviet architecture influence, is home to China’s legislature and houses an impressive 10,000-seat theatre. 

It is located at the western edge of Tiananmen Square and was built in 1959 as part of the Ten Great Constructions honouring the country’s 10th anniversary.

During the meeting with Xi, Anwar was accompanied by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abd Kadir; International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz; Local Government Development Minister Nga Kor Ming; Transport Minister Anthony Loke; Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang; Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, and Malaysian ambassador to China, Raja Datuk Nushirwan Zainal Abidin.

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

Earlier, the prime minister performed Friday prayers at Dongsi mosque, which is the oldest mosque in the city here.

He also took the opportunity to greet local Muslim community leaders and members of the congregation.

Anwar also met with Zhao Leji, who is the chairman of the National People’s Congress, also at the Great Hall of the People, to discuss cooperation at the parliamentary level of both countries.

The Malaysian prime minister is currently on his maiden three-day official visit here to further strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries as well as to enhance cooperation on trade, technology and education.

China is also one of eight countries he visited since he took office some four months ago. – The Vibes, March 31, 2023