BEIJING: Malaysia places priority on maintaining a close relationship with China, particularly in terms on increasing investments and trade.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said, as a world economy, Malaysia needed to take the opportunity to attract more investors from China.
This, he said, was why he had chosen China as one of the first countries outside of Asean to visit.
"China is an important trading partner for Malaysia. This is why I give priority in coming here. China is an economic giant, so it is important for us to maintain our relationship.
"As a trading nation, we must maintain the strong relations we have with all countries, and this includes the United States," he said during a question and answer session at a breaking of fast event with Malaysians in China at the embassy here.
Present were Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir; Transport Minister Anthony Loke; Local Government Development Minister Nga Kor Ming; Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing; and, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang.
Anwar also reminded Malaysians in China that they too played an important role in strengthening the relationship between the two countries, adding that it should fall only on the "shoulders" of the two governments.
"Our relationship will be all the better if our people here in China are seen as being law-abiding and set a good example. From what I have seen, the role you play is something to be proud of... for this, you have my thanks," he said.
Anwar said the unity government was getting stronger, adding that the stability of the government would be a catalyst for growth in trade and investments.
"With this, we will be able to solve a lot of issues like unemployment, the huge gap between the rich and the poor and education."