Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao made a four-point proposal to further strengthen China-Malaysia ties during a meeting with his Malaysian counterpart Nazib Tun Razak?in Kuala Lumpur?Thursday.

Wen said the two nations need to enhance high-level exchange and mutual trust, while further deepening their practical cooperation in trade, investment, finance, maritime, law enforcement and other areas. Both sides also need to boost culture and people-to-people exchanges and constantly solidify the social foundation of the bilateral ties, while conducting more communication and cooperation on international and regional issues.

He said with their profound traditional amity and frequent friendly exchanges, the two countries have been supporting each other on issues concerning their core interests and taking care of the major concerns of each other, and more recently standing side by side coping with the global financial crisis. At present, the bilateral exchange and cooperation are being deepened across all areas and the growth of overall bilateral ties is showing a sound momentum.

As both nations are in a critical stage of their development, they should, in face of the complex international and regional environment, further expand cooperation to better cope with their common challenges and safeguard their common interests, Wen said.

For his part, Najib said that he is totally agreed with Wen's proposal, and that Malaysia is ready to further strengthen the bilateral strategic consultations, the personnel exchanges at all levels and the mutual trust.

He said Malaysia hopes to expand cooperation with China in trade, finance, investment, infrastructure, tourism, education, youth issues, traditional Chinese medicine, law enforcement and other areas. It also hopes for better coordination with China in international and regional affairs. He said he would also like to see more Chinese firms investing in Malaysia and being actively involved in local socioeconomic development.

Najib said his country attaches great importance to the development of the bilateral ties, regarding China as a close friend and reliable partner. With efforts from both sides, the bilateral cooperation has advanced positively in every field over recent years, he said.

The Malaysian leader said Wen's visit to his country would inject fresh momentum and vitality into the bilateral relationship. He said Malaysia is confident in the prospect of that relationship and it is willing to work closely with China to make bigger progress in the two-way ties.

After their meeting, the two prime ministers witnessed the signing of a series of cooperation agreements between the two governments and companies from the two countries before holding a joint brief press conference.

Wen arrived here Wednesday for a two-day official visit. He is scheduled to visit Indonesia after the Malaysia trip.