Visiting Chinese Vice President Hu Jintao said Wednesday in Kuala Lumpur that Sino-Malaysian bilateral relations have been developing smoothly in recent years.
Hu, who is currently on an official visit here, made the remarks in a cordial meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad.
During the meeting, Mahathir said that Malaysia and China have maintained very friendly ties and the cooperation between the two countries are fruitful.
Malaysia attaches great importance to China's increasingly vital role in international affairs, Mahathir said, adding that the growing up of China will benefit countries in Asia and the whole world.
He expressed the hope that the relations between the two countries will achieve an all-round development in the new century.
Meet tougher challenges together: Hu
Hu, for his part, said that the mutual understanding and trust have been enhanced through frequent contacts between leaders of the two countries while the joint statement signed by the two sides in 1999 has laid down a solid foundation for the development of bilateral ties.
Hu thanks the Malaysian prime minister for his active efforts in safeguarding and promoting ties with China.
Meanwhile, the Chinese vice president noted that in the process of globalization, economic competition among countries is likely to get tougher.
Hu said that the developing countries often find themselves in a disadvantageous position during the competition. What is important for developing countries as China and Malaysia is to meet the challenges together through close and mutually-complementary cooperation. China is willing to join Malaysia in making contributions to peace and development in Asia and the world.
We hope to further strengthen Sino-Malaysian cooperation, Hu said, adding that leaders of the two countries should also keep close contact and exchange views on bilateral relations and major issues concerning regional and world affairs on regular basis.
Views exchanged on Mideast situation
The two leaders briefed each other their positions on the Middle East issue. Mahathier stressed that Malaysia is against the practice of dual standards on the issue of human rights and the fight against terrorism.
Hu agreed with Malaysia's position. He said Israel should immediately implement the relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council, withdraw its troops from the Palestinian territory, restore the freedom of movement to Yasser Arafat and guarantee his personal safety.
Violence begetting violence will not help solve the issue, rather will increase confrontation and hatred. The only right way to settle the dispute is peaceful negotiation, Hu noted.
The two leaders also exchanged views on world multipolarization and Afghan issue.
( April 25, 2002)
