[UPDATED] Anwar, Xi discuss topics ranging from investment to Myanmar

KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia welcomes further Chinese investments and collaboration in new emerging sectors such as the digital economy, modern agriculture, agricultural trade and renewable energy, the Foreign Ministry said.

In a press statement on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s “historic” meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing yesterday, the ministry said Anwar had also urged for China’s involvement in the Automotive High-Tech Valley.

“(Anwar) also expressed Malaysia’s willingness to export more to China, including in the agro-commodities sector,” the Foreign Ministry said.

It also highlighted Xi’s call for “policy support for Chinese investments in Malaysia”, as part of the need to build on the “already good momentum” between both countries.

Xi called for exploration in new areas such as renewable energy, semiconductors and the digital economy, the ministry added.

Anwar, meanwhile, reaffirmed the strong economic ties between China and Malaysia, citing the Belt and Road Initiative project such as the East Coast Rail Link, as well as the Two Countries, Twin Parks in Kuantan and Qinzhou.

On education, Anwar told Xi that Tsinghua University was welcome to set up its first branch campus in Malaysia. Anwar had delivered a lecture at the university and met Malaysian students there during his official four-day visit to China, which comes to a close tonight.

“The prime minister also looked forward to concrete cooperation on TVET (technical and vocational education and training), and to increase in the number of students from China in Malaysia,” the ministry said.

Anwar and Xi had also discussed the situation in Myanmar, with the Malaysian leader explaining that the country was now hosting over 200,000 refugees, most of whom are Rohingya.

“President Xi expressed China’s support for the Asean-led effort to address the Myanmar situation, including its support to alleviate the situation of the Rohingyas in Myanmar and Bangladesh,” the ministry said.

Anwar, who is among the first few foreign leaders to visit Beijing after Xi’s re-election for a precedent-breaking third term, congratulated the president and extended an invitation for him to make a state visit to Malaysia.

At their meeting, both leaders agreed that Malaysia and China shared common civilisational values such as mutual respect, inclusiveness, justice, care and compassion, while practicing “people-centred development” that includes eradicating poverty, protecting the environment, and promoting peace, security and prosperity for all.

Xi said he was ready to share China’s experience in poverty eradication, the ministry added.

“In this vein, President Xi expressed his support for the Malaysian unity government’s Malaysia Madani concept. For his own part, Prime Minister Anwar expressed support for the principles and values of President Xi Jinping’s global initiatives and his vision of a Community for a Shared Future for Mankind, including the proposal for a Malaysia – China Community for a Shared Future.” – The Vibes, April 1, 2023