PRIME Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim extended a warm welcome to China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi during his courtesy call at the E&O Hotel in George Town, Penang this afternoon.
Despite being preoccupied with election campaign activities across six states, Anwar made time to meet with Wang Yi, emphasising the importance of bolstering bilateral relations.
As today marks the final day of campaigning before simultaneous state polls in Penang, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Kelantan, Terengganu, and Kedah tomorrow (Aug 12), Anwar shared that their discussions encompassed a wide array of topics, including investments and infrastructure development.
“We have a meaningful discussion, touching on trade, investments, cultural exchanges and durian export.
“Wang Yi’s visit is significant for Malaysia because he is not just a foreign minister but also a senior member of the Chinese politburo.
“Our bond and friendship make it easy for us to exchange ideas.
“We, of course, also discussed mainly trade and investments.
“I thanked him for facilitating some of the major Chinese investments in the country.
“We also explore the need for increased collaborative research in education, considering the substantial presence of 60,000 Chinese students in Malaysia and 7,000-odd Malaysian students in China,” Anwar told reporters after the meeting.
Also present at the meeting were several dignitaries, including Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abdul Kadir, China Ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing, Transport Minister Anthony Loke, Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, and Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang.
Wang Yi, who resumed his role as China’s Foreign Minister last month, is currently on a three-country tour in Southeast Asia.
Having already visited Singapore, his two-day visit to Malaysia is part of his itinerary, with Cambodia as his last destination.
His tour underscores China’s commitment to strengthening strategic communication with its Southeast Asia partners.
Later, Dr Zambry hosted a tea reception at the hotel for Wang Yi and Chow, followed by tropical fruit tasting featuring durian, langsat, rambutan, mangosteen, and jackfruit.
The visitors appeared to have thoroughly enjoyed the assortment of fruits.
Story by K.H.Ong
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhamad
Video by Siew Chia En