BEIJING: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is set to start his four-day official visit to China today to meet top leaders, investors and major Chinese corporate figures.
Anwar's visit is expected to enhance the bilateral relations and cooperation between the nations. It is the prime minister's first visit to the country after taking office on Nov 24.
The visit will also mark events to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Malaysia-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir said China was the first East Asian country Anwar was visiting after taking office.
"The prime minister will also be one of the first leaders to visit Beijing after Chinese President Xi Jinping's reappointment for a third term a few weeks ago and Li Qiang's reappointment as China's premier," he said at a press conference here last night.
International Trade and Industry Minister Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz and Transport Minister Anthony Loke are part of the Malaysian delegation during Anwar's visit.
Others in the delegation are Local Government Development Minister Nga Kor Ming, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang, and Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing.
Zambry said the prime minister was expected to arrive in Boao, Hainan, at 5pm today and attend the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2023 (BFA 2023) tomorrow.
"He will give a speech during the plenary opening session forum, which commences tomorrow.
"The theme of his speech is 'An Uncertain World: Solidarity and Cooperation for Development Amid Challenges'.
"The prime minister is expected to arrive in Beijing at 4.30pm tomorrow. He will be greeted by Deputy Foreign Minister Sun Weidong.
"An iftar event with Malaysians in China will be the prime minister's first programme in Beijing, with more than 200 Malaysians all over China attending."
Zambry said the prime minister would have a packed schedule on Friday, which included presenting a speech at Tsinghua University, a renowned educational institute in China.
This will be followed by Anwar's courtesy call on Jinping.
Zambry said discussions between the two leaders were aimed at strengthening bilateral relations with talks on various fields, especially in the context of the 10th anniversary of the Malaysia-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the 50th anniversary of Malaysia-China diplomatic ties.
"Both leaders will discuss matters that will steer bilateral relations into the future, and take into account the challenging scenario on the international front.
"They will touch on trade, political cooperation, corruption prevention and civilisation.
"This meeting will be followed by a courtesy visit by National People's Congress chairman Zhao Leji. Their discussion is expected to focus on cooperation between Malaysia and China, particularly at the members of parliament level."
Zambry said the last programme on Friday was an iftar organised by the Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce, an association of Malaysian traders in China.
It will be attended by Muslim community leaders in China, as well as Malaysian corporate figures who are part of the visit.
Zambry said on Saturday, Anwar would take part in a round table meeting with high-profile investors and Chinese corporate figures, followed by a business forum comprising 1,000 participants from Malaysia and China.
"The prime minister will deliver a keynote speech at the forum. At least 11 memoranda of understanding will be signed between Malaysian and Chinese companies," he said, adding both programmes were expected to yield good results in terms of trade and investment.
On Saturday afternoon, Zambry said, the prime minister would be feted by Qiang in an Official Welcome Ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, followed by a bilateral meeting between the leaders.
"The discussions between the leaders will focus on the detailed steps to be taken in terms of economy, trade and investment. They are expected to tackle tcertain projects that will strengthen economic relations for the benefit of the citizens of both countries.
"The leaders will witness the signing of three memoranda of understanding and hold a media conference to announce the results of their discussions and the decisions made by both leaders at the meeting."