KUALA LUMPUR: Chinese Premier Li Qiang will embark on a three-day official visit to Malaysia starting Tuesday (June 18), marking his first visit to the country as premier.

Malaysia’s Foreign Ministry (Wisma Putra) said the visit coincides with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China, established by the Joint Communiqué signed by Malaysian prime minister Tun Abdul Razak and Chinese premier Chou En Lai on May 31, 1974.

Li is scheduled to meet with Malaysia's Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to discuss bilateral matters and exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest, Wisma Putra said on Tuesday.

"Malaysia’s ties with China have grown from strength to strength since the elevation of bilateral relations to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2013,” said Wisma Putra.

Anwar and Li are also expected to witness the signing of several memoranda of understanding (MoUs) and agreements in various areas of cooperation including in digital economy, green development, tourism, housing and urban development, higher education, science and technology, as well as on the export of agri-commodities to China.

Both leaders will also attend a dinner celebrating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

Li will also have an audience with His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia.

While in Malaysia, Li will also attend the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) groundbreaking ceremony in Gombak as well as a business luncheon with the business community from both countries.

In 2023, China remained Malaysia’s largest trading partner for 15 consecutive years since 2009, with a total trade of RM450.84bil (US$ 98.90bil). - Bernama

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/18/chinese-premier-li039s-visit-celebrates-50-years-of-malaysia-china-diplomatic-ties