China to boost Malaysia ties to address inflation, food security, says PM

China has pledged to continue giving priority to enhancing its bilateral cooperation with Malaysia, especially in tackling the current challenges like global inflation and food security being faced by both countries, Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said today.

He said this was stated by Chinese state councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi during his courtesy visit to Putrajaya today.

Ismail also said China had an important role to play in ensuring world peace.

"I have expressed the view that every conflict should be resolved at the negotiating table and not through war," he said in a Facebook post.

He said the hour-long meeting also discussed bilateral relations and the importance of developing the digital economy.

The prime minister said Malaysia welcomed the interest of more official delegations and businesses from China, such as Huawei, to be involved in government initiatives.

Ismail said Wang Yi also expressed appreciation to the Malaysian government for the opportunities given to Chinese infrastructure companies to take part in development projects such as the East Coast Rail Link.

China intends to continue with the rail network which also involves Laos and Thailand, he added.

He also conveyed his best wishes to China’s President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang.

"I have expressed my desire to make an official visit to China soon and pay a courtesy call on President Xi and Premier Li," he said.
 
Wang Yi is on a two-day official visit to Malaysia. He last visited Malaysia two years ago.

According to the foreign ministry, relations between Malaysia and China have continued to grow stronger and closer since being upgraded to the comprehensive strategic partnership level in 2013.

The two countries will celebrate the 10th anniversary of this partnership next year.