President Jiang Meets Malaysian Supreme Head of State

President Jiang Meets Malaysian Supreme Head of State

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President Jiang Zemin noted that Malaysian supreme head of state Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah's current visit to China will enhance the mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples and mutually beneficial bilateral cooperation.

Jiang made the remark Tuesday afternoon, when meeting with Salahuddin, who is here on a six-day state visit to China as Jiang's guest.

Extending a welcome to Salahuddin, Jiang voiced his appreciation for the fact that China is the first destination of Salahuddin's foreign visits outside ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations) which reveals the importance placed by Salahuddin on bilateral relations.

Speaking highly of the traditional friendship between the two peoples, and the steady and healthy development of bilateral friendly relations since the two countries forged diplomatic ties 27 years ago, Jiang recalled the Chinese fleet led by Zheng He which reached the Malacca Strait in the Ming Dynasty (1368--1644), a manifestation of bilateral exchanges long ago.

Jiang went on to say that there are still constant exchanges between leaders of the two countries, which play an important role in furthering the understanding, friendship and trust between the two peoples.

The two countries have understood and supported each other on a series of major international issues, added Jiang.

He noted that although the two countries have different histories, traditions and political systems, they enjoy a deep friendship which will last forever.

Jiang also spoke highly of Malaysia's achievements in conquering its financial crisis and realizing an overall resurgence and development of its economy.

He briefed the visitors on China's domestic economic situation and hoped that Salahuddin would visit more places in China to experience in person the changes in China.

Salahuddin said that a visit to China has been a long-cherished wish of his, and his current six-day visit to China is his longest foreign visit so far.

Noting the great changes that have taken place in China, he also wishes China to score even greater achievements in economic construction.

He also spoke positively of the development of bilateral friendly relations in various fields, believing that with joint efforts by the two governments and peoples, there will be a further development of bilateral friendly cooperation in the new century.