In a landmark meeting on Wednesday, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Malaysian King Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar pledged to usher in a new era of cooperation between China and Malaysia, aiming for a “Golden 50 Years” of strengthened bilateral ties.
During the state visit, President Xi expressed China’s readiness to collaborate with Malaysia in building a high-level strategic community with a shared future. The two leaders emphasized the importance of deepening their nations’ partnership, drawing on each other’s strengths, and pursuing modernization together.
Boosting Major Projects and Future Industries
President Xi called for the effective implementation of significant projects like the “Two Countries, Twin Parks” initiative and the East Coast Rail Link. He also encouraged cooperation in emerging industries such as artificial intelligence, the digital economy, and the green economy.
“China welcomes more high-quality Malaysian agricultural products to the Chinese market and encourages Chinese enterprises to invest in Malaysia,” Xi said, highlighting the mutual benefits of strengthened economic ties.
Regional and Global Initiatives
China pledged support for Malaysia’s role as the chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). President Xi stated that China would work with Malaysia to implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative.
The leaders expressed a shared commitment to promoting solidarity and common development among countries in the Global South.
Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges
President Xi proposed promoting a “Confucian-Islamic Civilizational Dialogue” with Malaysia, aiming to enhance cultural understanding. He emphasized the importance of cooperation in culture, tourism, and education to strengthen people-to-people connections between the two countries.
Malaysia’s Commitment to Stronger Ties
King Sultan Ibrahim expressed Malaysia’s dedication to its relationship with China, pledging to advance the building of a high-level strategic community with a shared future. He affirmed Malaysia’s firm support for the Belt and Road Initiative and readiness to boost trade and investment cooperation.
“Malaysia is ready to work with China to stabilize industrial and supply chains, improve the level of connectivity, and enhance educational and cultural exchanges,” the King said.
