China, Malaysia pledge to enhance ties

Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) meets with Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak in Boao, south China's Hainan Province, March 27, 2015. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)

Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak during the 2015 Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) in South China's Hainan Province on Friday, pledging to strengthen their comprehensive strategic partnership.

Welcoming Najib to the annual conference, Xi said China-Malaysia relations are at their best, with highlights including the promotion of practical cooperation in various areas, including emergency response.

"I hope to enhance communication and coordination with you to advance our comprehensive strategic partnership," Xi told Najib.

Xi said leaders of both countries should maintain smooth exchanges and communicate on issues of mutual interest in a timely manner.

China and Malaysia should respect, trust and accommodate each other, Xi said, calling on the two sides to expand cooperation in industrial parks, railway, finance, law enforcement and defense and security.

Xi encouraged more exchanges between students, the youth, local regions, and strengthened coordination in international affairs.

China will continue to support building of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) community and support the ASEAN to play a leading role in East Asian cooperation, Xi said.

This year, China and ASEAN will formulate the third action plan for strategic partnership and launch the China-ASEAN maritime cooperation year as well as building the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, Xi said.

"China hopes Malaysia will play its due role as rotating chair of ASEAN and push for headway in China-ASEAN relations," he said.

Najib said Malaysia regards China as a diplomatic priority, voicing confidence that existing robust ties will continue to grow.

He thanked China for it's help within international and bilateral frameworks, and said the country is willing to work with China to deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership.

Najib hoped both countries could expand trade relations, provincial exchanges and defense and law-enforcement cooperation.

He said Malaysia welcomes the Bank of China to set up yuan clearing bank in Malaysia and supports China's Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank and 21st Century Maritime Silk Road initiatives.

Najib said his country would deal with any bilateral problems with a diplomatic and practical approach.

Malaysia is willing to enhance ASEAN-China cooperation during its rotating presidency and promote ASEAN members to actively participate in the building of the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, he said.