China and Malaysia are looking at closer ties

China and Malaysia pledged on Thursday to enhance political mutual trust, intensify coordination of development strategies and strengthen people-to-people exchanges, with both sides expanding visa-free policies for visitors from the other country.

The two countries issued a joint statement on deepening and lifting their comprehensive strategic partnership and jointly building a China-China partnership in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday, the last day of Prime Minister Li Qiang’s three-day official visit to the Southeast Asian country. Malaysian community with a shared future.

According to the statement, China has agreed to extend its visa-free policy for Malaysian travelers until the end of 2025.

In return, Malaysia will extend its visa-free policy for Chinese citizens until the end of 2026, the statement said, adding that both sides are welcome to continue discussing their mutual visa waiver arrangement to facilitate cross-border travel.

The two countries also agreed to work towards better synergy of their development, the statement said.

They will use the signing of a bilateral cooperation plan to promote the construction of the Belt and Road as an opportunity to further align their development strategies and strengthen pragmatic cooperation.

Both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in infrastructure connectivity, including on key projects of the Malaysian East Coast Rail Link, and to expand trade, improve financial cooperation and encourage their businesses in each other’s country to invest.

Malaysia welcomed China to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership. China said it will import more high-quality agricultural and other products from Malaysia.

The two countries will also leverage the opportunities offered by the digital economy, green development, artificial intelligence and energy, and discuss cooperation in areas such as advanced manufacturing and technological innovation.

They agreed to increase cooperation in the semiconductor value chain to maintain the stability of the global supply chain.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Malaysia.

The two countries agreed to vigorously participate in a series of activities in culture, tourism, religion and other fields to promote bilateral exchanges at all levels and further enhance exchanges and mutual learning between Chinese civilization and Islamic civilization to deepen.

Both sides confirmed that they will carry out a new round of cooperation on giant panda conservation to commemorate the anniversary of the establishment of ties and promote bilateral cooperation in such research.

The two countries also expressed their intention to strengthen cooperation on multilateral occasions, saying they share extensive interests and similar positions on international affairs.

They will also work together to uphold international fairness and justice and ensure the unity and cooperation of the international community, the statement said.

Trade cooperation has played a crucial role in bilateral ties, Prime Minister Li said at a Malaysia-China business community luncheon in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday.

Bilateral trade has increased rapidly in recent years, Li said, adding that companies from the two countries will see more investment opportunities as both sides continue to align their development strategies and upgrade their industries.

China hopes to accelerate the implementation of various cooperation agreements with Malaysia, work together to advance major projects and provide more cooperation opportunities for both sides, he said.

Li called on companies in China and Malaysia to continue investing in the two countries and make better use of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who also attended the lunch, said Malaysia is committed to deepening its friendly ties with China and hopes to enhance mutual understanding and cooperation with China in the areas of trade, investment, science and technology and education.

Li arrived in Beijing on Thursday, concluding his eight-day trip, which also took him to New Zealand and Australia.