China prioritises diplomatic ties with Malaysia

Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) meets with Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak. (Source: Xinhua)

Hanoi (VNA) – Chinese President Xi Jinping has vowed that China will continue to consider bilateral ties with Malaysia one of the priorities in its neighborhood diplomacy.

The Chinese leader made the commitment during his talks with Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak on the sidelines of the 23rd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting in the Philippines on November 17.

On the basis of fundamental principles and long-term mutual interests, the two sides will deepen their neighborly cooperation, Xi said, adding that China pledges to continue encouraging its capable companies to invest in Malaysia.

He said he valued Malaysia's role in Asia-Pacific cooperation and will work with Malaysia and other countries to implement the blueprint of regional connectivity.

For his part, Najib said Malaysia looks towards a deeper cooperation with China in the fields of finance, infrastructure and regional connectivity.

He noted that Malaysia, as the rotating Chair of ASEAN, is committed to fostering the development of the strategic partnership between China and the 10-member bloc.

Najib also said that Malaysia will accelerate the approval of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) - a free trade pact between ASEAN and six other countries, including China.-VNA