Chinese president meets Malaysian supreme head of state

BEIJING, Sept. 4  -- Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Malaysian Supreme Head of State Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah on Thursday at the Great Hall of the People in downtown Beijing.

Hailing the traditional China-Malaysia friendship, Xi said the bilateral relationship has developed smoothly over the past 40 years.

The two countries established their diplomatic ties in 1974, when Halim visited China, also as Supreme Head of State of Malaysia, for the first time.

Xi said he appreciates Halim's visit to China as the two sides observe the 40th anniversary of their diplomatic relationship and that he believes the visit will further cement the friendship and boost cooperation between the two countries.

Xi also expressed his gratitude to Halim for the warm reception last October as the Chinese leader paid a state visit to Malaysia.

Halim said Xi's successful visit has boosted the bilateral ties and that he is happy to see Malaysia and China reach new consensus on strengthening their comprehensive strategic partnership in May this year as Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak visited China.

Halim said he hopes his visit will help to further enhance the traditional friendship between the two countries.

Halim is paying a state visit to China at Xi's invitation from Sept. 3 to 8.