China’s Xi given state welcome at Istana Negara

Chinese president Xi Jinping inspects the main guard of honour during the state welcome ceremony at Istana Negara today. (Bernama pic)

KUALA LUMPUR: 

Chinese president Xi Jinping was given a state welcome at Istana Negara today in conjunction with his three-day state visit from yesterday at the invitation of Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim.

Xi was received by Sultan Ibrahim on his arrival at 10.30am.

Also present were Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and his wife Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, deputy prime ministers Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Fadillah Yusof, as well as Cabinet ministers.

The welcome ceremony at the Istana Negara parade ground began with the playing of the national anthems of both countries by the Royal Malay Regiment Central Band, followed by a 21-gun salute by the 41st Battery of the Royal Artillery Regiment.

The Chinese president then inspected the main guard of honour involving four officers and 103 personnel of other ranks from the First Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment of Sungai Besi camp, led by Mohamad Waqiyudin Abd Rahman.

A dance performance was also given by the national department of culture and arts as a symbol of respect for the Chinese president’s presence at Istana Negara.

Sultan Ibrahim then held a meeting with Xi and the Chinese delegation, and witnessed a commemorative souvenir presentation ceremony at Dewan Seri Maharaja.

After the meeting, Sultan Ibrahim will hold a state banquet in honour of Xi and his delegation at the main dining hall.

This is Xi’s second official visit to Malaysia in 12 years. The last visit in 2013 saw the two countries upgrading diplomatic relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

Wisma Putra, in an earlier statement, said Xi, accompanied by Cabinet ministers and senior government officials, is also scheduled to meet with Anwar this evening, to discuss bilateral cooperation and exchange views on regional and international issues of common interest.

Anwar will also host an official dinner at the Seri Perdana complex today to welcome Xi.

Xi’s visit is part of the Chinese president’s first state visit series this year, which also includes Vietnam and Cambodia.

Malaysia and China established diplomatic relations on May 31, 1974. The two countries celebrated their 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations last year.

China has been Malaysia’s largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years since 2009.

Total trade between the two countries was worth RM484.12 billion in 2024, representing 16.8% of Malaysia’s total global trade (RM2.88 trillion). - FMT