Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak on May 30 said that the territorial disputes in the East Sea should be settled through dialogue in a suitable manner.

Najib, who is on a China visit, said ASEAN countries and China should work together, as both sides are close neighbours and should coordinate for common peace and prosperity in the region.

The Malaysian PM also said his country will undertake the ASEAN Chair in 2015 and is willing to exert efforts to promote the association’s relations with China.

In his talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping the same day, both sides pledged to strengthen bilateral ties.

Xi called on them to maintain high-level exchanges and experience sharing, promoting cooperation in various fields, including infrastructure building, communications, aerospace, economics and trade.

The two sides should strengthen cooperation in law enforcement, security and defence, Xi added.

He held that the two countries should continue joint efforts in the search for the lost Malaysian Airlines flight MH370.

For his part, Najib said Malaysia will pursue a traditional friendship and mutual trust with China .

He said Malaysia and China should enhance personnel, cultural, defence and law enforcement cooperation, while striving to increase two-way trade and investment.

Najib started his six-day visit to China from May 27.-VNA