Chinese, Malaysian leaders mark 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties

BEIJING - Chinese President Xi Jinping exchanged congratulatory messages Saturday with Malaysian Supreme Head of State Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah on the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Malaysia.

In his message, Xi said political mutual trust had been constantly strengthened since China and Malaysia established diplomatic relations 40 years ago.

And the two side had scored remarkable achievements in such fields as the economy and trade, finance, infrastructure and culture, with defense, law enforcement and security cooperation emerging as new highlight, he said.

"I am willing to work with you to keep promoting China-Malaysia relations to higher levels," Xi said.

Halim expressed satisfaction with the development of bilateral relations, "which have flourished in many areas of human endeavor over the past 40 years."

"We believe that our strong bond of friendship will continue to be strengthened and will greatly contribute to the prosperity, security and peace of the region and beyond," he said.

Separately, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and Malaysian counterpart Najib Razak also extended congratulations on the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Malaysia.

Li said, with several generations' concerted efforts, China-Malaysia relations had born plenty of fruits, which had played an important model role in the region.

"China is willing to work with Malaysia to further deepen political mutual trust and expand progmatic cooperation in all fields including economy and trade, so as to promote long-term sound and stable development of China-Malaysia relations," Li said.

In his message, Najib said: "The foundation which our past leaders had carefully laid out in the formative years of our relationship had now become solid and strong."

"I am confident that our relations are poised to enter into a new era of cooperative and mutually beneficial endeavors for the peace and prosperity of our countries and the region as envisioned by the wisdom of our predecessors," he said.

Also on Saturday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi exchanged congratulations with his Malaysian counterpart Datuk Seri Anifah Aman.