Chinese FM: Common interests of China, Malaysia outweigh differences

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Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Tuesday that the common interests of China and Malaysia outweigh the individual differences between the two countries, and the significance of their bilateral relations has gone beyond the bilateral scope.

Wang made the remarks at a joint press conference with his Malaysian counterpart Saifuddin Abdullah in the Malaysian city of Putrajaya.

During the press conference, Wang said his visit also includes making preparations for the upcoming official visit of Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad to China.

Malaysia's Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad in his office in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, June 22, 2018. /VCG Photo

He said that Mahathir's visit to China will build an even stronger relationship between China and Malaysia. Mohamad has always been a good friend to China, Wang added.

Wang also said that China is happy to see the new phenomenon after Mohamad took power and has confidence that Malaysia will play a more active role on the international stage.

Abdullah said he and Wang have discussed on bilateral cooperation, particularly in the areas of trade and investment, education, tourism, security and agriculture including durians, which has further cemented Sino-Malaysian relations.

Malaysia's Foreign Minister Saifuddin Abdullah meets with China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi before their meeting in Putrajaya, Malaysia, July 31, 2018. /Reuters Photo

He said steady progress in bilateral economic relations has been made over the year. He mentioned that China has been Malaysia's largest trading partner for nine consecutive years since 2009. And in 2017, Malaysia was China's ninth largest trading partner and the second largest among other ASEAN countries.

He said Malaysia welcomes China's participation in Malaysia's economic development.

He said Malaysia and China also explore new areas of cooperation. Both governments share the same aspiration to pursue good governance and anti-corruption.

Wang is currently on a two-day visit to the Southeast Asian country at the invitation of Abdullah.

His visit is the first by a senior Chinese official since Malaysia's latest elections. After concluding his Malaysia visit on Wednesday, Wang will visit Singapore and attend a series of foreign minister meetings until August 5.

Just days ago, Mahathir's special envoy Daim Zainuddin visited Beijing, expressing willingness to maintain the sound momentum of bilateral ties.

In a letter to Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, Mahathir said his government would continue to develop friendly ties with China and further enhance their comprehensive strategic partnership. Mahathir added that Malaysia welcomes investment from Chinese enterprises.

On Sunday, Mahathir said he is looking forward to his upcoming official visit to China. He also said Malaysia will continue to see China as a good friend and a good partner.

(Top image: China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi, left, shakes hands with Malaysia's Foreign Minister Saifuddin Abdullah before their meeting in Putrajaya, Malaysia, July 31, 2018. /Reuters Photo)