China and Malaysia enjoy a time-honored friendship and set a fine example of mutual achievements and win-win cooperation among countries, said Chinese President Xi Jinping when holding talks with Malaysia's King Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar on Friday in Beijing. "As neighbors across the sea, China and Malaysia enjoy a time-honored friendship. As early as in the 15th century, Chinese Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) navigator Zheng He visited Malacca five times in his seven voyages, leaving a splendid history. Since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1974, China and Malaysia have always been in friendly terms and supported each other, setting a fine example of mutual achievements and win-win cooperation among countries. In May this year, you and I exchanged congratulatory messages on the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Malaysia. You said that Malaysia will always work hand in hand with China to forge ahead and create prosperity together. I appreciate that," Xi said.
For his part, Sultan Ibrahim commended China's remarkable development over the past years under the visionary leadership of President Xi.
"Malaysia's foreign policy has always been in favor of strong partnership with China. Moving forward together is what we seek for. China's development has been impressive. We should take your visionary leadership, Mr. President, and the hardworking people of China," he said.
Sultan Ibrahim is on a four-day state visit to China at the invitation of Xi from Thursday to Sunday.
China, Malaysia enjoy time-honored friendship: Xi
China extends a helping hand to African countries on the path to modernization, making sure that no country is left behind in the journey towards shared development, which is a collective endeavor with profound significance, according to Denis Sassou Nguesso, President of the Republic of Congo.
Sassou made the remarks in an exclusive interview with China Central Television (CCTV) in early September while he was in Beijing for the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and a state visit.
Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a keynote speech titled "Joining Hands to Advance Modernization and Build a Community with a Shared Future" while attending the opening ceremony of FOCAC on Sept 5.
Xi emphasized in his speech that on the path to modernization, no one, and no country, should be left behind.
"First, President Xi Jinping solemnly announced in his keynote speech that all African countries maintaining normal diplomatic relations with China, whether large or small, have their ties elevated to the level of comprehensive strategic partnerships with China. This move demonstrates China's deep care and steadfast support for African countries, especially those with a relatively weak development foundation. Extending a helping hand and moving forward together to make sure that no country is left behind on the path of shared development, this undoubtedly represents a collective endeavor of profound significance," Sassou said.
And this endeavor sends a clear signal to Global South countries that Africa and China have embarked on a new journey together, he noted.
When discussing the fundamental differences between the modernization processes of the West and those represented by developing countries such as China and African countries, the president stated that he has no intention of delving into the modernization process of the West. This is because it stems from a complex historical context, often achieved through the domination and exploitation of other nations.
"Since first setting foot on this land in 1964 until now in 2024, I have personally witnessed the remarkable social progress and leap in modernization achieved by the Chinese people through their own perseverance and cooperation with people around the world under the leadership of the Communist Party of China. In my view, this represents an unprecedented development and modernization model," Sassou said.
China helps Africa on path to modernization with shared development: president of Republic of Congo
