Malaysia and China ready to move forward in relationship

China stands ready to work with Malaysia's new government to carry forward their friendship and deepen cooperation, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Wednesday.

Wang made the remarks in a virtual meeting with Malaysian Foreign Minister Zambry Abdul Kadir who took up his post in early December.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said China is ready to take advantage of the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Malaysia comprehensive strategic partnership in 2023 and the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 2024 to push bilateral ties to a new level.

Noting that China and Malaysia are good friends and partners, Wang called for the two countries to strengthen high-level exchanges and strategic communication, continue to advance high-quality "Belt and Road" cooperation, and step up cultural exchanges.

China supports the Association of Southeast Asian Nations centrality and ASEAN-centered regional cooperation architecture, Wang said, adding that China would join hands with ASEAN countries to safeguard regional peace, stability and prosperity.

For his part, Zambry said Malaysia's new government is willing to work with China to strengthen high-level exchanges to upgrade bilateral ties.

Malaysia stands ready to continuously deepen cooperation in various fields including infrastructure to seek common development, he added.

He also said Malaysia looks forward to strengthening exchanges and mutual learning between the civilizations, as well as promoting communication and dialogue between Islamic civilization and Confucian culture.

Malaysia is willing to work with China to jointly promote ASEAN-China cooperation and jointly maintain regional peace and stability, he added.