SEPANG, April 17 — Discussions on Asean-China relations and current geopolitical developments were among the key highlights of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s state visit to Malaysia, which concluded today, said Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.
Xi’s meeting with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in Putrajaya yesterday also touched on bilateral Malaysia-China ties and the current economic landscape.
“The bilateral discussions between Malaysia and China yesterday afternoon went very well. A range of issues were discussed by both leaders, and this has been a highly successful state visit.
“And with China being Malaysia’s main trading partner, we will look at ways to further enhance bilateral trade between Malaysia and China, which in turn will benefit the country,” he told Bernama and RTM at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport.
Earlier, he and Anwar were present to bid farewell to Xi and his delegation, who departed for Cambodia after concluding the three-day visit.
The Air China flight carrying Xi and his delegation departed from KLIA at 10.04 am.
The discussions also focused on the issue of security in the South China Sea and inter-regional relations between China, Southeast Asia, and other regional blocs.
“This is very important, especially in today’s uncertain geopolitical climate. Close ties between our countries are crucial because we depend on one another.
“As I mentioned, this visit has been highly successful, not only in terms of the substance and content of the discussions, but also in the logistics and overall preparations, which were well-managed,” Mohamad said.
Xi began his visit on Tuesday (April 15) at the invitation of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, the King of Malaysia.
This marked his second visit to Malaysia in 12 years, following his first in 2013, during which both countries elevated their diplomatic ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
The visit was part of the Chinese President’s three-nation tour of Southeast Asia, which had taken him to Vietnam earlier. It is his first series of state visits this year.
China has been Malaysia’s largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years since 2009. In 2024, total trade between the two countries was valued at RM484.12 billion, accounting for 16.8 per cent of Malaysia's global trade of RM2.88 trillion.
— Bernama
