On the afternoon of September 20, 2024, President Xi Jinping held talks with King of Malaysia Sultan Ibrahim, who is in China for a state visit, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

Xi Jinping pointed out that as neighbors across the sea, China and Malaysia enjoy a time-honored friendship. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1974, China and Malaysia have always been on friendly terms and supported each other, setting an example for countries to help each other succeed and foster win-win cooperation. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries and the Year of China-Malaysia Friendship, a significant year for China-Malaysia relations to build on past achievements and forge ahead into the future. China is further deepening reform comprehensively and advancing high-standard opening-up, which will bring new impetus and opportunities to China-Malaysia cooperation. China is ready to work with Malaysia to carry forward fine traditions and be close neighbors of everlasting friendship, sincere partners in joint development, trusted friends with brotherly relations and an important force for peace. The two countries should deepen strategic cooperation in each other’s modernization process and elevate the building of a China-Malaysia community with a shared future to a new level.

Xi Jinping stressed that China is ready to work with Malaysia to maintain close high-level exchanges, enhance strategic communication, and support each other on issues involving their respective core interests and major concerns. China supports the vision of “Malaysia Madani” and is ready to share state governance experience with Malaysia. China is ready to better synergize development strategies with Malaysia, carry out high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, implement key projects such as the “Two Countries, Twin Parks” and the East Coast Rail Link, step up cooperation on agriculture and poverty reduction, and tap the potential of cooperation on new energy, digital economy and other high-tech industries, so as to boost their respective modernization processes. The two sides should deepen exchanges and mutual learning between the Chinese and Islamic civilizations, strengthen cooperation in higher education, joint scientific research and other fields, enhance mutual understanding and affinity between the two peoples, and cultivate successors for the cause of China-Malaysia friendship. As important members of the Asia Pacific region, developing countries and emerging economies, China and Malaysia should play a guiding role in enriching the China-Malaysia community with a shared future with more imperatives of the era and greater global significance. China supports Malaysia in assuming the rotating chairmanship of ASEAN next year and is ready to work with Malaysia to promote East Asian cooperation and regional economic integration and enhance communication and coordination regarding major hotspot and international issues, so as to contribute to regional and global peace and stability.

Sultan Ibrahim said that he was honored to pay his first state visit to the great China in the capacity of Malaysia’s head of state. Under the leadership of President Xi Jinping and through the hard work of the Chinese people, China has made remarkable development achievements that have garnered global attention. It has become a major engine of the world economy, setting an example for developing countries like Malaysia. Malaysia was one of the first ASEAN countries to establish diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China and also the first ASEAN country to establish a comprehensive strategic partnership with China. The Malaysia-China relationship is built on mutual trust and mutual respect. Malaysia appreciates the Chinese government’s people-centered development philosophy, and supports the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative put forward by President Xi Jinping. Malaysia regards China as a reliable partner and is committed to fostering a strong partnership with China, achieving shared progress and becoming a companion on the path to modernization. Malaysia has benefited greatly from the Belt and Road Initiative and is ready to work with China to advance the Belt and Road cooperation and deepen cooperation in such fields as economy, trade, investment, infrastructure, connectivity, culture and education, so as to take Malaysia-China relations to a higher level. He said that the Malaysian side is ready to work with the Chinese side to make constructive contributions to maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea. As the rotating chair of ASEAN and the country coordinator for ASEAN-China Dialogue Relations next year, Malaysia is ready to play an active role in advancing the comprehensive strategic partnership between ASEAN and China. The Malaysian side greatly appreciates China’s fair and just stance on the Palestinian question and is ready to strengthen communication and coordination with China on international and regional affairs.

Before the talks, Xi Jinping held a welcoming ceremony for Sultan Ibrahim at the North Hall of the Great Hall of the People.

A 21-gun salute was fired at Tian’anmen Square, and honor guards lined up in salutation. As the two heads of state stepped onto the stand, the military band played the national anthems of China and Malaysia. Accompanied by Xi Jinping, Sultan Ibrahim reviewed the guard of honor of the People’s Liberation Army and watched the march-past.

On the evening of the same day, Xi Jinping held a welcoming banquet for Sultan Ibrahim at the Golden Hall of the Great Hall of the People.

Wang Yi was present at the above activities.