BEIJING: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is optimistic that Malaysia can achieve further progress in its bilateral relationship with China.
Anwar said the country was expected to make progress not only in terms of investment and trade, but also in the area of tertiary education.
"After meeting China President Xi Jinping today (March 31) and Prime Minister Li Qiang tomorrow (April 1), I will make an announcement tomorrow (April 1) regarding a significant bilateral development between Malaysia and China that encompasses various aspects, including the economy, investment, trade and university collaborations.
"I hope you can give the best cooperation. I need the support of the president, and I need the support of the professors and students for this mission to succeed," he said while delivering a public lecture at Tsinghua University here today.
Earlier, Anwar and his delegation's arrival at the university was welcomed by CPC Tsinghua University secretary Professor Qiu Yong.
About 290 Malaysian students are studying at the university in various fields.
During his two-hour visit, Anwar met Malaysian students, signed the university's guest book and took pictures with university staff and students.
Anwar said he was confident that the leadership under Xi and Li would create opportunities for bilateral cooperation with countries in the region, particularly with Malaysia.
"We are a country that is open and we will decide what is best for our nation.
"We make (decisions) based on the strength of our values and principles to ensure good governance and that every policy is implemented, and can benefit the country and the people."
Anwar, who is also finance minister, then performed his Friday prayers with about 300 worshippers at Dongsi Mosque here. He also visited the mosque's mini library.
Anwar is on a four-day official visit to China until tomorrow (April 1), and has several important meetings lined up.
This evening, he is scheduled to meet Xi, followed by a meeting with Li tomorrow.