KUALA LUMPUR – Chinese Premier Li Qiang’s first visit to Malaysia later today until June 20 will mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China, Wisma Putra said.
It will be Li’s first visit to Malaysia as premier since taking office in March last year.
He will meet with Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in a bilateral meeting to discuss common interests and exchange views on regional and global issues.
“Both leaders will also witness the exchange of several memoranda of understanding and agreements on various issues of cooperation, including the digital economy, green development, tourism, housing and urban development, higher education, science and technology, as well as the export of agri-commodities to China,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
Li will also have an audience with His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim.
Also on his schedule is a ground-breaking ceremony for the East Coast Rail Link in Gombak and a business luncheon with the business community from both countries.
Li and Anwar will also attend a dinner commemorating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties, which were signed on May 31, 1974, by Malaysia’s second prime minister, Tun Abdul Razak and China’s first premier, Chou En Lai.
Anwar and Li have met twice previously, in April 2023 during Anwar’s inaugural official visit to China and in September in Nanning for the 20th China-Asean meeting.
The last visit by a Chinese premier was by Li Keqiang in 2015. President Xi Jinping visited Malaysia in October 2013.
Malaysian Institute of Economic Research executive director Anthony Dass told Bernama that talks between Li and Anwar are expected to centre on competitiveness, fiscal position, debt levels, service delivery and governance that will benefit both countries.
Malaysia-China Friendship Association president Datuk Abdul Majid Ahmad Khan said the two countries would likely look at new areas of focus, such as the aerospace, communications and green energy sectors.
China has been Malaysia’s largest trading partner for 15 consecutive years since 2009. Last year, total trade with China was valued at RM450.84 billion, contributing 17.1% to Malaysia’s global trade. – June 18, 2024