China is looking forward to working with the new Malaysian government to advance China-Malaysia pragmatic cooperation in a spirit of equality and mutual trust, said Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia Bai Tian.

In a statement today, he said under the new government led by Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, China believed the relationships between the two governments would scale new heights.

“We appreciate that you openly reiterated your support for the ‘Belt and Road’ initiative and welcomed Chinese investment, shortly after assuming office.

“China has always regarded Malaysia as an important cooperation partner for the 21st Century Maritime Silkroad, and is ready to promote the ‘Belt and Road’ initiative together with Malaysia, striving for the common prosperity and development of the two countries and the building of an Asian Community of Common Destiny,” he said.

The ambassador earlier met with the prime minister for about an hour where he congratulated Mahathir on assuming office as Prime Minister for the second time.

Bai also said that during Mahathir’s first tenure as the Malaysian prime minister, he had covered almost half of the 44 years since China and Malaysia had established diplomatic ties.

“During your last service as prime minister, you visited China seven times and your important contributions to the China-Malaysia relations laid a solid foundation for the comprehensive and profound China-Malaysia friendly and cooperative relations we are enjoying today,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mahathir said China had always been a close friend and important development partner of Malaysia.

“The new government of Malaysia will further enhance the all-round cooperation with China especially in political, economic and trade fields,” he said, adding the country welcomed Chinese investments and expected to further grow the bilateral pragmatic cooperation. - Bernama