Xi Jinping Meets with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim of Malaysia

On the afternoon of March 31, 2023, President Xi Jinping met with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim of Malaysia, who was on an official visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People.

Xi Jinping pointed out that China and Malaysia enjoy a time-honored friendship and the development of bilateral relations has been at the forefront of regional countries. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Malaysia, and next year will mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Noting the consensus reached by the two sides on building a China-Malaysia community with a shared future during Prime Minister Anwar’s visit, Xi Jinping said it will surely open a new chapter in the history of bilateral relations. Going forward, the two sides should advance the development of relations and cooperation in various fields in a well-coordinated way, promote the sound and steady growth of China-Malaysia relations and strive for greater progress, so as to inject new impetus into the prosperity and development of the two countries and the region.

Stressing that China follows a people-centered governing approach, Xi Jinping said that the Malaysia Madani proposed by Prime Minister Anwar also puts development and people at the front and center. China is ready to work with Malaysia to step up exchanges between government departments, legislative bodies and political parties of the two countries, and increase exchanges on governance experience. On the basis of mutual respect, candidness and mutual trust, China will work with Malaysia to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, accommodate each other’s concerns, consolidate enduring friendship, and firmly support each other in safeguarding sovereignty, security and development interests and in exploring development paths suited to their respective national conditions. Underscoring China’s commitment to promoting high-standard opening up and advancing Chinese modernization, President Xi Jinping said these efforts will bring new opportunities to Malaysia and other countries in the world. The two sides should continuously elevate the level of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, advance key projects, foster more growth drivers in cooperation in such areas as digital economy, green development and new energy, and explore cooperation on people’s well-being, so as to enable China-Malaysia relations to deliver more benefits to the two peoples.

Xi Jinping stressed that both China and Malaysia belong to the family of Asian civilizations and are beneficiaries, contributors and defenders of economic globalization and multilateralism. China is ready to work with Malaysia to carry forward Asian civilizations, uphold strategic autonomy, stay true to the original aspiration of East Asia cooperation, support ASEAN centrality, resolutely resist the Cold War mentality and bloc confrontation, and build a common home together. The two sides should deepen exchanges and mutual learning between Chinese and Islamic civilizations, uphold true multilateralism, stand for international fairness and justice, safeguard the common interests of the vast number of developing countries, and make greater contributions to improving global governance.

Anwar said that he was visiting China as a true friend of the country, bringing with him sincerity and friendship. The Malaysian people heartfully admire China’s great achievements. Hailing President Xi Jinping as a great statesman with global influence, Anwar said that President Xi Jinping has not only changed the historical course of China but also brings hope for world peace and development. President Xi Jinping has a profound understanding and foresight of the international situation, and the Global Security Initiative, the Global Development Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative he put forward have demonstrated his extraordinary vision. The vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind is highly aligned with the Malaysia Madani proposed by the Malaysian government. Malaysia is ready to make all-out efforts with China to implement relevant initiatives and advance Belt and Road cooperation. Malaysia is ready to strengthen bilateral economic and trade cooperation and the building of “Two Countries, Twin Parks”, draw on China’s experience in poverty alleviation, and step up cooperation in agricultural modernization and other fields. Chinese enterprises are welcome to invest and seek cooperation in Malaysia. Noting that Chinese Muslims’ freedom of religious belief and mosques have been well protected, Anwar said that Malaysia is ready to work with China to deepen exchanges and dialogues between civilizations. China has never invaded other countries in its history. Recently, China successfully facilitated Saudi Arabia-Iran talks in Beijing, which once again demonstrated China’s constructive role in promoting peace. Malaysia rejects bloc confrontation and opposes being forced to pick sides. As an independent force, ASEAN will play an active role in avoiding the escalation of regional tensions.

Wang Yi, Qin Gang and others were present at the meeting.