SEREMBAN: The three-day visit by Chinese Premier Li Qiang to Malaysia will further cement ties between Kuala Lumpur and Beijing and pave the way for both countries to better resolve outstanding issues, says Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan (pic).
He said the visit would allow both countries to explore areas for collaboration and to further build on the 50 years of diplomatic ties established since 1974.
“Although this year marks the 50th anniversary of the two nations establishing diplomatic relations, we already had ties with China hundreds of years ago since the times of Hang Li Po and Admiral Cheng Ho.
“So, this is not new to us. What we need to work on is to see how we can further strengthen bilateral ties for the mutual benefit of the peoples of both countries,” he told reporters after launching the Kampung Angkat Madani programme at Kampung Kanchong in Rantau near here.
Mohamad said it was important for both countries to bolster cooperation as China was Malaysia’s biggest trading partner.
“China is also the world’s second largest economy and there are many areas that we can explore and discuss for mutual gain,” he said.
Li is scheduled to meet representatives from the business community and the chambers of commerce during his visit that ends tomorrow.
On another matter, Mohamad urged Malaysians abroad to register with Malaysian missions to ensure their safety and wellbeing.
He said this could be done online without having to be physically present at the mission.
“In some countries, we have more than one mission so it is good if you register so that we can contact you.
“If Malaysians do not register, then it can be difficult to trace them in the event there is an emergency,” the Foreign Minister said.
Wisma Putra, he said, would also seek the assistance of foreign missions, the police and Interpol to help Malaysians in predicaments abroad.
