Premier Li Keqiang met with Daim Zainuddin, special envoy for the Malaysian Prime Minister and a member of the country’s Council of Eminent Persons, in Beijing on July 18.

Daim Zainuddin delivered the holograph letter of Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad to the Premier, which said that Malaysia’s new government will keep friendly relations with China and carry forward the comprehensive strategic partnership.

Malaysia welcomes Chinese enterprises, and he is optimistic about the prospect of bilateral ties, Mahathir said in the letter.

Premier Li noted that the two countries have a long tradition of friendship. The special envoy’s visit shows the great importance the new Malaysian government attaches to the relationship with China.

The Premier said he wants stable relations. China is ready to maintain the upward momentum with Malaysia on the basis of mutual respect and equal treatment.

China is willing to synergize the Belt and Road Initiative with Malaysia’s development strategies, boosting cooperation in industrial parks, coastal industrial zones, transportation infrastructure and other major projects.

The two sides should expand people-to-people exchanges and bring more benefits to people of the two counties, the Premier said.

Premier Li pointed out that good China-Malaysia relations are not only beneficial for people of the two countries but also good for regional peace, stability and development. Currently, the relations between China and ASEAN are improving steadily. Both sides are expecting to further expand cooperation for mutual benefits. Malaysia has made important contributions to the development of this relationship. Premier Li expressed the hope that Malaysia will continue to play a constructive role in deepening China-ASEAN ties and cooperation.

Daim Zainuddin said that the two countries are good friends and partners. Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad attached great importance to bilateral relations, and is willing to cooperate closely with China to promote healthy and stable development in the relationship. Any problems that occur between the two can be solved. Malaysia stands ready to work with China to promote the development of the two nations as well as other Asian countries. It will also promote win-win cooperation between China and ASEAN for the benefit of the two sides, the regions and even the whole world.

State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi and He Lifeng, vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and head of the National Development and Reform Commission, also attended the meeting.