Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji arrived in Kuala Lumpur Monday for a five-day official visit to Malaysia.

Zhu was met at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport by Malaysian Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar, Defense Minister Abang Abu Bakar who is minister-in-attendance and other senior government officials.

In a written statement issued at the airport upon his arrival, Zhu said China and Malaysia "are friendly neighbors and our two peoples share a profound traditional friendship."

"Over the past 25 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries, China-Malaysia relations have, thanks to the concerted efforts by both sides, registered substantial development with encouraging achievements in mutually-beneficial cooperation in various fields," Zhu said.

"During this visit, I will have an in-depth exchange of views with Malaysian leaders on the ways to deepen our bilateral cooperation and strengthen coordination in international and regional affairs with a view to bringing into the new century all-dimensional good-neighborly friendly relations and cooperation between China and Malaysia," he said.

The Chinese premier expressed the cordial greetings and best wishes to the Malaysian government and people.

Zhu's official entourage included Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan, Agriculture Minister Chen Yaobang, Special Assistant Liu Huaqiu and People's Bank of China Vice Governor Yan Haiwang.

During Monday night's welcoming banquet, Zhu marveled at the Malaysian Government and people's "outstanding insight and great courage" in adopting effective measures to limit the impact of the Asian financial crisis. "Your achievements have shown once again that no matter how the international situation changes a country should stick to a development plan that fits its own conditions," said Zhu.

Malaysia's recovery from the Asian financial crisis is one of the best among the ASEAN nations. The nation's GDP growth rate this year is expected to be more than 4 per cent.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Malaysia. In May, the two countries issued a joint statement that is expected to direct the bilateral co-operation in the 21st century.

During his visit, Zhu is scheduled to have an audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (King) Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah and to hold talks with Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad on bilateral and international issues of common interest.

Zhu is also scheduled to deliver an address at a luncheon in his honor to be hosted by the National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia.

He will tour the Technology Park Malaysia at Bukit Jalil where he will be briefed on Malaysia's Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) which is now under construction.

During Zhu's visit, China and Malaysia are expected to sign the Cultural Agreement, a Memorandum of Understanding between Bank Negara (State Bank) Malaysia and the People's Bank of China, and an arrangement on the Exchange of Animals.

Malaysia is the first leg of the Chinese premier's four-ASEAN-nation tour. He will also visit the Philippines, Singapore and Vietnam.

While in Manila, the Chinese premier will also attend the informal summit meetings between ASEAN and China, Japan and South Korea, and between ASEAN and China.

Zhu Rongji left Beijing Monday morning to start an official visit of the four nations.

The premier is paying the visit at the invitation of Malaysian Prime Minister Mohamad Mahathir, Philippine President Joseph Estrada, Singaporean Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong, and Vietnamese Prime Minister Phan Van Khai.

Seeing Zhu and his entourage off at the Great Hall of the People were Vice-Premier Qian Qichen, State Councilor Wu Yi, State Councilor and Secretary-general of the State Council Wang Zhongyu and other senior officials as well as diplomatic envoys of the four ASEAN countries .