Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak said on Wednesday that he will visit China later this week to strengthen bilateral ties and friendship.

Recalling Malaysia establishing diplomatic ties with China in 1974, when his father Abdul Razak was the then prime minister, Najib said in a statement that China and Malaysia have a relationship based on mutual trust and respect.

Najib said he was committed to achieving "new highs and entering into new areas of cooperation" with China.

Najib did not elaborate on what he will discuss with Chinese leaders, but he said many new agreements and understandings will be signed.