China's President Xi Jinping Arrives in Malaysia

SEPANG: President Xi Jinping of China arrived in Malaysia Thursday, for a three-day official visit.

Accompanied by wife, Peng Liyuan, he was greeted by Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam, upon arrival at the Bunga Raya Complex, Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) here at 6.35pm.

Accompanying Xi were State Councillor overseeing foreign diplomacy Yang Jiechi, Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Commerce Minister Gao Hucheng.

Xi's visit is of utmost importance as it signals the commitment of the new Chinese leadership to maintain the longstanding friendly relations with Kuala Lumpur since the establishment of diplomatic relations, 39 years ago.

According to Wisma Putra, the trip will enable Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and Xi to chart the future direction of Malaysia-China relations, which includes reaffirming their commitment to strengthen cooperation in all fields and contribute to the prosperity and maintenance of peace and stability in the region.

On Friday, Xi will have a meeting with Najib at the Prime Minister's Office in Putrajaya. Several memoranda of understanding are expected to be signed during the meeting, followed by a joint press conference by the two leaders.

Bilateral trade between China and Malaysia hit US$94.8bil (RM302.7bil) last year, with China being Malaysia's biggest trade partner for four consecutive years and Malaysia being the biggest trade partner of China in the Asean region for the past five years. - Bernama