PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has expressed hope that China would join forces with Malaysia to ensure the Palestinian-Israeli conflict can be resolved quickly so that humanitarian aid can be sent to Gaza without restrictions.
According to Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, the matter was conveyed by Anwar to China’s Vice-President Han Zheng during their meeting at Perdana Putra here yesterday.
Han, who is on a four-day official visit to Malaysia, had earlier paid a courtesy call on the Prime Minister.
“Anwar also expressed hope that China would play a more active role. China also responded positively to the suggestion that the Palestinian-Israeli conflict must be resolved quickly,” Zambry told reporters after the meeting.
Zambry said China, the current Chair of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), also reiterated its commitment to recognising Palestine’s status.
On Nov 3, China reportedly said the situation between Palestine and Israel was the most urgent matter, emphasising the need for a ceasefire to prevent a more severe humanitarian disaster and escalation of the conflict.
Other matters that were discussed during Han’s visit were bilateral, regional and international issues that are of mutual interest, cooperation in the halal industry, and the 50th anniversary of Malaysia-China diplomatic relations that will be celebrated in 2024.
Han’s official trip to Malaysia that ends on Nov 11 is in conjunction with the 10th anniversary of the Malaysia-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership this year.
In the morning, Han visited Proton’s plant in Tanjung Malim, Perak, where he was accompanied by Malaysia’s Deputy Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Liew Chin Tong.
Also present were Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co Ltd chairman Eric Lee, DRB-Hicom Bhd chairman Tan Sri Wan Zulkiflee Wan Ariffin, Proton Holdings Bhd chairman Tan Sri Syed Faisal Albar, Proton chief executive officer Dr Li Chunrong and Proton deputy CEO Roslan Abdullah.
During the visit, Han was taken on a tour of the factory floor while witnessing the various models produced by Proton.
Meanwhile, Roslan told Bernama the visit stressed on the importance of the Automotive High-Tech Valley in Tanjung Malim and how China could assist in expanding the project.
In the afternoon, Han was granted an audience by Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah at Istana Negara.
Han, who arrived at the palace at 12.45pm, spent about 45 minutes meeting the King.