The Chinese PM arrived in Malaysia for a 3-day official visit
SEPANG: Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang arrived in Malaysia today to begin a three-day official visit which is also his first visit to the country since assuming the post in March last year.
According to Bernama, the Air China plane carrying Li and his delegation landed at the Bunga Raya Complex of the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) here at 8.44pm.
Among those who greeted his arrival were the Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia, Ouyang Yujing, the Minister of Transport, Anthony Loke and the Malaysian Ambassador to China, Datuk Norman Muhamad.
Immediately upon arrival, Li inspected the guard of honor lined up by 28 officers and members of the First Battalion of the Royal Ranger Regiment (Ceremonial Infantry) led by Captain Nur Ahmad Zaim Zahari.
His visit was also in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of Malaysia-China diplomatic relations following the signing of the Joint Statement between Tun Abdul Razak and Chou En Lai on 31 May 1974.
During the visit, Li was scheduled to hold a meeting with his counterpart, the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to discuss matters related to bilateral relations and exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual interest.
The two leaders will also witness the exchange of several Memorandums of Understanding and agreements in various fields including the digital economy, green development, tourism, housing and urbanization development, higher education, science and technology and the export of agricommodities to China.
Anwar and Li will attend a dinner to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Malaysia-China bilateral relations.
Li will also make a visit to see His Majesty the King Sultan Ibrahim.
The Chinese Prime Minister is also expected to attend the groundbreaking ceremony of the East Coast Rail Line (ECRL) in Gombak and have lunch with the business community from both countries.
In 2023, China remains Malaysia’s largest trading partner for 15 consecutive years since 2009 with a trade value of RM450.84 billion (US$98.90 billion).
Relations between Malaysia and China are getting stronger following the increase in bilateral relations through the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2013.