China-Malaysia Ties: Li and Mahathir agree to strengthen ties

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02:36

Mahathir met earlier Monday with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang. The two leaders said at a press conference that they have agreed to strengthen bilateral ties, especially in business and trade. Mahathir and Li also witnessed the signing of a number of documents involving bilateral cooperation. Our reporter Zheng Yibing has more.

A handshake renewing a long-standing friendship and cooperation. Chinese premier Li Keqiang welcomed 93-year-old Malaysian prime minister Mahathir Mohamad to Beijing. Both expressed good wishes for bilateral ties.

LI KEQIANG CHINESE PREMIER "China-Malaysia ties will always be solid, stable, and carry good intentions."

MAHATHIR MOHAMAD MALAYSIAN PRIME MINISTER "I have come this time to China in order to strengthen our relationship."

The talks between the two focused largely on business and trade. It was followed by a ceremony where Li and Mahathir witnessed the signing of documents setting the guidelines for currency swaps, durian and palm oil, and other exchanges.

LI KEQIANG CHINESE PREMIER "Our two sides are willing to further expand trade volume between China and Malaysia. Both sides hope that based on, or under the condition of volume expansion, bilateral trade can reach a balance. China is willing to further increase imports of Malaysian goods that satisfy the needs of the Chinese market."

Mahathir also expressed his hope that Chinese enterprises, especially high-tech firms can enhance their investment in Malaysia, so as to address some internal issues there.

MAHATHIR MOHAMAD MALAYSIAN PRIME MINISTER "We are interested in solving our unemployment problem, and we feel that with Chinese investments in Malaysia, parts of these problems can be resolved, so it must be begun with strengthening the relationship between China and Malaysia."

The two also exchanged views on regional situations, such as the China-US trade tensions. They agree that in the face of rising anti-globalization and trade protectionism, China and Malaysia should join hands with other regional nations, to defend the legitimate rights and interests of emerging economies.

ZHENG YIBING BEIJING "Both sides say they are ready to make an all-round plan for future cooperation, and open up new dimensions in bilateral ties. They trust that the friendship they've built over the years will flourish even more. Zheng Yibing CGTN, Beijing."