On 4 October 2013, President Xi Jinping held talks with Prime Minister Najib Razak of Malaysia at the Malaysian Prime Minister's Office. The leaders of the two countries spoke highly of the outcomes of China-Malaysia cooperation. They exchanged in-depth views on fully promoting China-Malaysia relations under the new situation and reached broad consensus. They decided to upgrade bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership.
Xi Jinping expressed that Malaysia is the first country among ASEAN nations to establish diplomatic relationship with China. We will not forget the historic contributions made by the older generations of the leaders of the two countries to pushing forward China-Malaysia relations. In recent years, bilateral cooperation has enjoyed many highlights and the traditional friendship has grown even more vigorous as time goes by. China attaches great importance to relations with Malaysia. China-Malaysia relationship is at the forefront of China's relations with ASEAN countries. In the new historical period, both sides should further uplift the level of strategic cooperation to ensure that China-Malaysia relations continue to play an exemplary and leading role in the region.
Xi Jinping raised proposals on bilateral cooperation. First, the leaders of the two countries should maintain the fine tradition of frequent exchanges and strengthen strategic communication on major issues and top-level design of bilateral relations, bearing the big picture of China-Malaysia friendship. We should enhance party-to-party exchanges and share experience on state governance. Second, the two sides should expand economic and trade cooperation in accordance with their respective development strategies, realize the goal of 160 billion U.S. dollars for the 2017 bilateral trade volume, build the Qinzhou Industrial Park in China and the Kuantan Industrial Park in Malaysia into flagship projects of investment cooperation between the two countries, and to promote cluster-type development of industries of the two countries. China encourages Chinese businesses to join in the development of northern Malaysia and the construction of the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore high-speed railway so as to promote connectivity in the region. To strengthen financial cooperation, to expand the use of local currency in trade and investment. Third, the two sides should strengthen cooperation on information and communications, remote sensing satellite and biological technology, actively advance the construction of scien-tech labs. Fourth, the two sides should leverage the role of defence and security consultation mechanism, strengthen military-to-military exchanges and cooperation. To deepen law enforcement cooperation and to join efforts to combat terrorism and transnational crime. Fifth, the two sides should expand local cooperation and non-governmental exchanges. Next year marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relationship between the two countries and the Year of China-Malaysia Friendly Exchanges. Both sides should plan for the series of celebration activities including the exchanges of 100-member youth delegations.
Xi Jinping pointed out that China and ASEAN countries are both developing nations. Both sides should firmly grasp the theme of development, deepen cooperation and promote regional economic integration to create a sound regional environment for development.
Najib Razak expressed that President Xi Jinping's visit is full of friendliness and warmth. Malaysia and China enjoy a solid foundation of friendship. Bilateral relations have enjoyed substantial development since the establishment of diplomatic relationship in 1974 with fruitful cooperation in all fields. China is a reliable friend of Malaysia. The Malaysian side looks forward to strengthening comprehensive strategic partnership with China and believes that bilateral relations have broad prospects. I fully agree with the Chinese side on the cooperation proposals. I believe that these proposals are of great significance and will push for greater progress of bilateral relations. Malaysia hopes to maintain communication with China at all levels, to expand bilateral trade, to promote mutual investment, and to build up the Qinzhou Industrial Park in China and the Kuantan Industrial Park in Malaysia. Chinese businesses are welcomed to join in Malaysia's infrastructure construction and both sides are encouraged to set up financial institutions in each other's country. Malaysia is ready to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with China in the fields of military-to-military exchanges, scien-tech, law enforcement, education, tourism, people-to-people and cultural exchanges. The Malaysian side fully supports China's proposal to prepare for the establishment of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and is ready to consider participating. Among ASEAN's relations with its dialogue partners, China-ASEAN relationship is the most active. Malaysia is ready to actively push for the development of ASEAN-China relations, in order to boost regional cooperation and to promote peace, stability and prosperity of the region.
Following the talks, Xi Jinping and Najib Razak witnessed the signing of relevant cooperation documents.
The two leaders also jointly met with the press. Xi Jinping stressed that China and Malaysia share extensive common interests. China-Malaysia cooperation not only benefits both peoples, but is also conducive to regional stability and development. China firmly supports ASEAN's leading role in East Asian cooperation and is glad to see Malaysia playing a greater role in the region. China is ready to join hands with Malaysia for development and win-win cooperation to jointly create a better future for China-Malaysia relations.
Najib Razak expressed that President Xi Jinping's current visit is fruitful and represents a new milestone in the development of bilateral relations. Malaysia believes that China's economy will continue to maintain a strong growth momentum to inject fresh impetus into global economic growth. The upgrading of Malaysia-China relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership will lay a more solid foundation for bilateral cooperation.
Wang Huning, Li Zhanshu, Yang Jiechi and others were present at the above activities.