China, Malaysia hail cooperation, pledge deeper ties

Malaysian Prime Minister Nazib Tun Razak (R) shakes hands with visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Putrajaya, Malaysia, Aug. 1, 2013. (Xinhua/Chong Voon Chung)

China and Malaysia vowed to further boost relations and cooperation on the basis of bilateral achievements made in recent years.

During his meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Thursday, Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak said despite progress in all-round cooperation, bilateral relations still have great potential and a broad horizon.

China is Malaysia's largest trading partner, Najib said, and the two countries are making good progress in cooperations in various fields.

The two sides have joint industrial parks, their defense cooperation is on a steady launch, and more and more Chinese tourists are coming to Malaysia.

Najib commended that the Malaysia-China relations have become an example of mutual beneficial and win-win cooperation, and China is increasingly exerting greater influence on Malaysia's economy and society.

The Malaysian prime minister said his government is willing to push for greater development of bilateral ties by joining hand with the new Chinese administration and taking the opportunity of the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2014.

Wang Yi, who was on a one-day visit to Malaysia, said that comprehensive, stable and pragmatic progress has been achieved in the strategic bilateral cooperation thanks to the hardwork by leaders of several generations, bringing important interest for both countries while making positive contribution to peaceful and stable regional development.

Wang said that China-Malaysia relations is standing at a new starting point with significant opportunities for development.

Wang told Najib that the new Chinese administration attaches great importance to the further development of ties with Malaysia, and considers Malaysia as a trustworthy partner for long-term cooperation.

He said both sides should continue their high level exchanges.

Meanwhile, the two countries should expand cooperation in areas like trade, investment, infrastructure, agriculture, fishery and aerospace programs, he said.

Specifically, the two sides should boost the construction of Qinzhou industrial park in China and Kuantan industrial park in Malaysia.

The two countries should also increase exchange in areas like law enforcement, defense, technology, education, culture and tourism,

Wang also called for joint efforts to render the 40th anniversary celebration of the establishment of diplomatic ties and the "China - Malaysia Friendly Exchange Year" a success.