King To Meet China's President Xi During State Visit, Aims To Strengthen Bilateral Ties
Sultan Ibrahim is the first King of Malaysia in 10 years to pay an official visit to China.
By Yap Wan Xiang — 20 Sep 2024, 11:36 AM
His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, arrived in China for a four-day state visit yesterday, 19 September, marking the first visit by the country's head of state to China in 10 years
Sultan Ibrahim's visit, which runs from 19 September to 22 September, comes at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, reported Bernama.
The King departed from the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) Subang Air Base in a special aircraft at 9.40am and arrived at Beijing Capital International Airport at 3.30pm yesterday.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke and Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming are accompanying the King, along with Tunku Temenggong of Johor, Prince Idris Ibrahim.
At the airport in Beijing, Sultan Ibrahim was greeted by China's vice minister of foreign affairs Sun Weidong, China's ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing, Malaysian foreign ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Amran Mohamed Zain, and Malaysia's ambassador to China Datuk Norman Muhamad.
He also received a guard of honour mounted by the People's Liberation Army.
Sultan Ibrahim's visit reflects the strong bilateral relations between Malaysia and China, which have grown since the two countries established a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2013
During his stay, Sultan Ibrahim will be accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, where he will meet with President Xi and attend a state banquet.
Sultan Ibrahim will also hold talks with Premier Li Qiang, the second-highest-ranking official in China.
Malaysia's ambassador to China, Datuk Norman Muhamad, emphasised the significance of Sultan Ibrahim's visit, noting that it coincides with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations, reported Bernama.
"This visit could not have come at a better time," he said.
