KUALA LUMPUR, May 21  -- A pair of giant pandas from China arrived here Wednesday morning on a 10-year loan, coinciding with the celebration of the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Malaysia.

The two giant pandas, Fuwa (male) and Fengyi (female), reached Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) from China by a freighter of MASkargo, the air cargo division of Malaysia Airlines.

Upon arrival, the pandas were warmly welcomed by Malaysian Natural Resources and Environment Minister G. Palanivel and Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia Huang Huikang.

Speaking at a welcoming ceremony for the giant pandas, Palanivel said Malaysia had established a strong bilateral diplomatic relationship with China since 1974, adding that this relationship was standing at a new threshold in the face of more significant opportunities for further growth.

"I have every confidence that with the joint efforts of the two sides, Malaysia-China relations will attain greater achievement with multiple benefits to both countries," he said.

Echoing the words of the minister, Huang said the giant pandas were the symbol of friendship and close ties between the two countries, whose arrival coincide with celebration of the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Malaysia.

"Their arrival will promote cooperation in such areas as forestry and bio-diversity conservation between our two countries, " the ambassador said, adding that it would also help to enhance the mutual understanding and friendship between the two people, by writing a new chapter in the history of friendly relations between China and Malaysia.

Malaysia signed a deal with China to lease a pair of giant pandas for 10 years, as a part of the plan to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.