Xi applauds Malaysia in Belt and Road construction

Chinese President Xi Jinping said Saturday that Malaysia was an early supporter of the Belt and Road Initiative and has become one of the countries that benefited the most from it.

Xi told visiting Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak on the eve of the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation that China will continue to increase bilateral cooperation under the initiative.

Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, left, poses with Chinese President Xi Jinping before a meeting ahead of the Belt and Road Forum in Beijing Friday, May 13, 2017. [Photo: Pool Photo via AP/Jason Lee]

Najib said the Belt and Road is a historic initiative that will bring huge changes to the region and the world at large, adding that Malaysia will actively participate in it.

Xi said the China-Malaysia relationship is currently at its best ever and the two sides will continue cooperation in the areas of culture, counter-terrorism, education, industrial parks, law enforcement, rail projects, security and tourism.

China will advance the comprehensive strategic partnership with Malaysia to further improve bilateral ties, he said.