KUALA LUMPUR, 16 April – Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim today expressed confidence that Malaysia and China will continue to strengthen their diplomatic and economic cooperation, despite current global geopolitical uncertainties.
In a Facebook post, His Majesty emphasised Malaysia’s ongoing efforts to deepen economic integration and foster industrial and supply chain collaboration with global partners — especially China. This approach is guided by mutual respect, shared benefits, and sustainable development.
“Chinese companies have great potential to explore investment opportunities here, particularly under China’s Belt and Road Initiative,” Sultan Ibrahim stated after meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping at Istana Negara.
The Agong highlighted Forest City Special Financial Hub, located within the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), as a strategic hotspot for foreign investment, calling it one of the most promising locations in Southeast Asia for economic expansion.
During the meeting, His Majesty also invited the Chinese government to boost language and cultural exchange programmes, acknowledging their role in strengthening bilateral relations.
“The number of student exchanges has grown, and Malaysia plans to send more students to China. Language is a bridge, and I will actively promote the Sultan Ibrahim Chair of Malay Studies at Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU),” he added.
President Xi Jinping, who is on a three-day State Visit to Malaysia, received a grand welcome at Istana Negara. This marks his second official visit to Malaysia since 2013 — the same year both nations elevated their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
This year also marks the 50th anniversary of Malaysia-China diplomatic relations, first established on 31 May 1974. Notably, China has remained Malaysia’s largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years since 2009. As of 2024, bilateral trade between the two countries reached RM484.12 billion, making up 16.8% of Malaysia’s total global trade. — Bernama
