KUALA LUMPUR, April 16 — In a moment filled with pageantry and heartfelt gestures of friendship, Chinese President Xi Jinping was warmly welcomed at Malaysia’s Istana Negara this morning, marking his return to the country after more than a decade.
Arriving at 10:30 a.m., President Xi was greeted personally by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia. It was a significant moment — not just diplomatically, but emotionally too — as both nations celebrate 50 years of deep and enduring ties.
Standing alongside Sultan Ibrahim were Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, as well as Deputy Prime Ministers Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, together with several Cabinet ministers. The occasion felt more like a heartfelt reunion than just a formality.
The parade grounds of Istana Negara came alive with the stirring sounds of the national anthems of both nations, performed by the Royal Malay Regiment Central Band. A thunderous 21-gun salute echoed in the background, a proud display of respect for the visiting leader.
With dignified grace, President Xi inspected the Main Guard of Honour — 107 soldiers from the First Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment, led by Major Mohamad Waqiyudin Abd Rahman — before being treated to a vibrant cultural dance by the National Department of Culture and Arts, a beautiful nod to Malaysia’s rich heritage and its warm hospitality.
Following the ceremony, President Xi and His Majesty held a private meeting and exchanged commemorative gifts in a symbolic gesture of goodwill and shared vision. Later in the evening, a grand State Banquet will be hosted in Xi’s honour at the palace.
This visit is President Xi’s first to Malaysia since 2013, when both countries took a bold step forward by elevating their diplomatic relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. It’s also part of his first international tour of the year, which includes Vietnam and Cambodia.
President Xi will also meet with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim later today to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation and exchanging perspectives on regional and global matters. Anwar will host an official dinner at Seri Perdana, adding another layer of warmth to an already heartfelt welcome.
China and Malaysia’s relationship has stood strong since diplomatic ties were established in 1974. Last year, they celebrated five decades of partnership — a friendship that’s only grown stronger with time.
China has been Malaysia’s biggest trading partner for 16 consecutive years since 2009. This year alone, trade between the two nations has reached RM484.12 billion, representing nearly 17 per cent of Malaysia’s total trade.
As the red carpets roll out and diplomatic hands are shaken, today isn’t just about politics — it’s about people, history, and the promise of a shared future.
