The Prime Minister of Malaysia, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, commenced a pivotal four-day journey to China, stepping onto Chinese soil immediately after the nation’s National Day 2025 festivities held at Dataran Putrajaya. This visit signals the start of a significant international diplomatic engagement.
Accompanied by his wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, the Malaysian leader landed at Tianjin Binhai International Airport. As the airplane doors opened, they were greeted with a ceremonial red carpet, demonstrating the high regard the host nation has for their distinguished guests.
Their reception was organised and hosted by not just one, but several key representatives from both countries. Among them were Datuk Norman Muhamad, the Malaysian Ambassador to China, and Han Jun, the minister overseeing China’s agricultural sector. It was indeed a gathering of prominent personalities on the tarmac.
Joining the welcoming party were other dignitaries: Wang Chang Song, who chairs the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Tianjin, and Ouyang Yujing, the Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia. The welcoming party embodied the strong bilateral relations sustained by both nations.
The Prime Minister’s visit to China wasn’t spontaneous; rather, it was in response to a formal invitation from the Chinese President himself, Xi Jinping. The key event on the agenda is the Prime Minister’s participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, a forum that underscores the strategic collaboration among its member states.
Right from the airport, the Prime Minister and his wife headed straight to the Summit’s Gala Dinner. The opulent event, presided over by President Xi, provided a proof of the harmonious relationship between the two nations, as well as the significance they place on the Summit.
The Malaysian Prime Minister, acting in his role as Chair of Asean, is set to give an address during the SCO Plus Summit on the forthcoming Monday. The key message from this address is Malaysia’s unwavering pledge to seize its unique location and transform both the nation and Asean into a dynamic hub for trade and investment.
Malaysia’s proactive engagement in the SCO Summit echoes their continuous efforts to fortify Asean-SCO relations. Simultaneously, it embodies Malaysia’s position as an instrumental bridge, facilitating synergy between Asean and SCO member countries, opening up avenues for progression in trade, economy and various other sectors.
Furthermore, Anwar is slated to deliver a public lecture at the esteemed Tianjin University, extending his insights and understanding to the academic community. This step reaffirms his commitment to strengthening ties beyond political and economic arenas, focusing on academia as well.
The agenda of the Prime Minister is packed with pivotal engagements, which include a courtesy call on President Xi and a bilateral discussion with Premier Li Qiang. This is part of the wider diplomatic discourse aimed at sustaining strong bilateral relations.
In addition, the Prime Minister will partake in the Victory Day Parade – a commemorative event marking 80 years since the culmination of World War II. Engaging in this historically significant event underlines the respect and understanding the two nations share for each other’s historical context.
Anwar is no stranger to China; this visit signifies his fourth trip to the country during his term as prime minister. Such frequent travels validate the sturdy bilateral relationship the two nations have enjoyed since May 31, 1974, when the first diplomatic ties were solidified.
The scope of these relations is not merely limited to political interactions – trade relations have also flourished between the two countries. China has been Malaysia’s largest trading partner since 2009, a relationship that has continued unbroken for a commendable period of 16 years.
Their bilateral trade in 2024 was valued at an impressive RM484.12bil, making up a significant 16.8% portion of Malaysia’s total global trade. This points to the economic importance of the relationship between the two nations.
Lastly, key members of the Prime Minister’s delegation include Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, the Foreign Minister, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, Anthony Loke, the Transport Minister, and Investment, Trade, and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz. These delegates from various essential ministries reinforce the comprehensive nature of the Prime Minister’s visit.
The post Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Strategic Visit to China appeared first on Real News Now.
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