Malaysians’ 30-day visa-free travel period will be extended by China
BEIJING: According to Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, China plans to increase the duration of visa-free travel for Malaysian visitors from 15 to 30 days.
On his first official visit to China, the Deputy Prime Minister made the statement on Friday, May 31, at a luncheon held at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in honour of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China. The meal was hosted by Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang.
“To extend the 30-day visa-free travel period, both countries have agreed, I would like to announce.”
He stated in his speech that the implementation would be signed at a later time.
During a courtesy call with Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Wednesday, May 29, Ahmad Zahid brought up the issue.
At Xuexiang’s invitation, the Deputy Prime Minister’s first official visit to the republic, which took place from May 22 to Saturday, June 1, coincided with the meeting on Friday.
The Minister of Rural and Regional Development, Ahmad Zahid, showed there at 10 a.m. to have an hour-long conversation with his counterpart.
He and Xuexiang conveyed their gratitude for the diplomatic ties that have been in place between Malaysia and China since May 31, 1974, according to Bernama, during their welcome statements.
Ahmad Zahid is expected to attend the 50th Anniversary of Malaysia-China Diplomatic Relations Celebration Ceremony after the discussion session. The event is being co-hosted by the Malaysian Embassy in Beijing and the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC).
Alongside Ahmad Zahid were Malaysian Ambassador to China Datuk Norman Muhamad and Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Mohamad Alamin. Ahmad Zahid is also the head of the National Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Committee.
Aside from that, he has an afternoon appointment in the Chinese capital to make a courtesy call on Wang Xiaohong, the Minister of Public Security and State Councillor.
The 50th Anniversary of Malaysia-China Diplomatic Relations Gala Reception will be hosted by Ahmad Zahid in the evening.
Prior to this, a statement from Wisma Putra stated that the official visit of the Deputy Prime Minister was intended to fortify bilateral connections and investigate potential areas of collaboration, particularly in the areas of TVET-focused education, the development of the halal industry, and interpersonal interactions.