PRIME Minister Anwar Ibrahim paid China’s President Xi Jinping a courtesy call at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing today. 

The leaders then proceeded to a meeting that lasted about 45 minutes. 

This was the first face-to-face meeting between the two. 

In his brief welcoming remarks, Xi said he appreciated that despite observing Ramadan, Anwar had accepted his invitation to visit China. 

Xi said he acknowledges the upcoming anniversaries of the establishment of the comprehensive strategic partnership between both nations, and the Malaysia-China diplomatic relationship. 

He said he hopes under Anwar’s leadership, Malaysia and China will work closer together to bring the relationship to greater heights.

Xi said both countries have agreed to build a China-Malaysia community with a shared future.

“This bilateral relationship is a new historical starting point,” he said. 

Anwar in his introductory remarks said his government and the people of Malaysia value the existing relationship with China.

“I can’t express how glad I am to be here. My visit here is being monitored closely with so much affection by many Malaysians,” he said.

The prime minister expressed his respect for Xi’s visionary leadership, ideas and efforts in reforming China and bringing the country to greater heights. 

“You are a visionary, you are a statesman, you talk about security, economics and civilisations.

“On a personal level, President Xi, you have not only changed the course of China, but also given a ray of hope to the world and mankind, with the visions that extend beyond China, into the region and the world,” Anwar said.

Anwar is among the first foreign leaders to visit China and meet Xi after his re-election as president for the third term on March 10. 

After meeting Xi, Anwar received a courtesy call from National People’s Congress chairman Zhao Leji. 

Also present were Foreign Minister Zambry Abdul Kadir, International Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz, Transport Minister Anthony Loke, Local Government Development Minister Nga Kor Ming, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang, and Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Tiong King Sing. 

Anwar’s trip to China marks his eighth official foreign visit so far. – Bernama, March 31, 2023.