BEIJING: Malaysia’s foreign policy has always favoured a strong partnership with China, says His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia.
His Majesty, who ascended the throne on Jan 31, is on his maiden state visit to China from Sept 19 to 22 at the invitation of President Xi Jinping.
“Malaysia has gone through various governments, but I am here as the King of the country.
“Malaysia’s foreign policy has always been in favour of a strong partnership with China. Moving forward together is what we seek,” His Majesty said in his introduction to the meeting with Xi yesterday.
Sultan Ibrahim said China’s development had been impressive.
“Thank you for your visionary leadership, Mr President, and to the hardworking people of China,” said His Majesty.
Sultan Ibrahim also thanked the President and the government of China for graciously hosting him with generous hospitality and excellent arrangements in “this beautiful and great city”.
“I wish to extend my personal invitation to you, Mr President, to come and visit Malaysia,” said Sultan Ibrahim to Xi.
Earlier, His Majesty was accorded a state welcome at the Great Hall of the People.
This is the first state visit by a Malaysian King to China in 10 years, marking a significant moment for both nations as they celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
At the state welcoming ceremony, the national anthems of both countries were played, followed by a 21-gun salute.
Sultan Ibrahim, accompanied by Xi, then inspected a guard of honour.
The Great Hall of the People is an important venue in China for state affairs and diplomatic activities. Situated on the west of Tiananmen Square, it is the country’s political, economic, cultural and diplomatic centre.
Sultan Ibrahim arrived at the venue at 3.20pm.
His Majesty was accompanied by Transport Minister Anthony Loke, Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming, Tunku Temenggong Johor Tunku Idris Iskandar Ibni Sultan Ibrahim, Foreign Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Amran Mohamed Zain and senior government officials.
His Majesty earlier granted an audience to Premier Li Qiang at the East Hall of the Great Hall of the People.
Sultan Ibrahim said that in 1974, history was made when Malaysia became the first Asean country to establish diplomatic ties with China.
“Tun Abdul Razak’s foresight laid a foundation for a lasting and fruitful friendship with bilateral ties flourishing across various domains over the past 50 years,” said His Majesty.
Tun Abdul Razak Hussein was the second prime minister of Malaysia from 1970 until his death in 1976.
Malaysia’s Ambassador to China Datuk Norman Muhamad recently said this first state visit in 10 years “could not have happened at a better time”.
“... indeed, it has been a long time. We are very pleased to have this visit. China warmly welcomes His Majesty’s visit,” he said as reported by Bernama.
“This visit was planned rather late. Normally with China, state visits involve discussions a year in advance but due to the close relations between Malaysia and China, when we proposed for His Majesty to visit China after his installation, we immediately received a positive response. We just needed to find a suitable time.
“This visit could not have happened at a better time as this year, we are celebrating the 50th anniversary of bilateral relations between Malaysia and China,” he added.
Sultan Ibrahim was installed as the 17th King of Malaysia on July 30.
His Majesty is scheduled to visit the Beijing Comac Aircraft Technology Research Centre today to observe the latest developments in China’s aviation technology.
Sultan Ibrahim is also scheduled to attend the naming ceremony of the Chair of Malay Studies at Beijing Foreign Studies University in His Majesty’s honour and engage with the Malaysian diaspora during the visit.
Recently, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said in Beijing that the country was committed to the China-Malaysia Community with a Shared Future aim.
Lin said the bond of friendship between China and Malaysia had been forged for a long time.
“Both countries are neighbours and partners who always support each other and enjoy mutually beneficial cooperation.
“In March last year, President Xi and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim reached an important consensus on joint efforts to build a China-Malaysia shared destiny community, thus clarifying the direction of development of bilateral relations in a new era.
“This year marks the golden jubilee of China-Malaysia diplomatic relations as well as the Year of China-Malaysia Friendship.
“Prime Minister Li Qiang’s visit to Malaysia in June successfully injected new impetus into the relationship between the two countries,” said Lin as reported by Bernama.
