BEIJING: China is willing to expand its visa-free travel for Malaysians for up to 30 days, says Deputy Prime Minsiter and Minister of Rural and Regional Development Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The announcement was made by the deputy Prime Minister, who was on his first official visit to China during a luncheon hosted by Chinese vice premier Ding Xuexiang in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of Malaysia-China diplomatic relations at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse on Friday, May 31.
The Deputy Prime Minister announced, “I would like to announce that both countries have agreed to extend the visa-free travel to 30 days”.
“The implementation will be signed at a later date,” he added.
Ahmad Zahid had discussed the matter with Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Wednesday, May 29.
At the invitation of Xuexiang, the meeting was held on Friday in conjunction with the first official visit of the Deputy Prime Minister to China from May 22 to June 1,2024.
Ahmad Zahid arrived at 10am to meet his counterpart and their meeting lasted for about an hour.
In their welcome speeches, Zahid and Xuexiang hailed the diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China since May 31, 1974, Bernama reported.
After attending the discussion session, Ahmad Zahid will be a part of the Celebration Ceremony to mark the 50th Anniversary of Malaysia-China Diplomatic Relations. The Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) and the Malaysian Embassy in Beijing are co-hosting the ceremony.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also the chairman of National Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Committee, was accompanied by Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Mohamad Alamin and Malaysian Ambassador to China Datuk Norman Muhamad.
To mark the 50th Anniversary of Malaysia-China Diplomatic Relations, Ahmad Zahid will also host the Gala Reception in the evening.
“Deputy Prime Minister’s official visit was to strengthen bilateral relations and is expected to explore opportunities for cooperation, especially in the field of education focusing on TVET, halal industry development as well as people-to-people exchanges”, a Wisma Putra stated earlier.
