China intends to increase visa-free travel for Malaysian tourists from 15 to 30 days, Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said on Friday.
Ahmad Zahid, who’s on his first official visit to China, made the announcement at a lunch hosted by Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang to mark the fiftieth anniversary of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China on the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing on Friday.
“I would love to announce that each countries have agreed to increase visa-free travel to 30 days. The implementation will likely be signed at a later date,” he announced in his speech.
Ahmad Zahid raised the problem on Wednesday during a courtesy call with Chinese Premier Li Qiang.
Friday’s meeting was together with the vice prime minister’s first official visit to China from May 22 to June 1 on the invitation of Xuexiang.
Ahmad Zahid, who can be Minister of Rural and Regional Development, arrived at 10 a.m. to carry a discussion for about an hour along with his counterpart.
In their welcome speeches, he and Xuexiang expressed appreciation for the diplomatic relations established between Malaysia and China since May 31, 1974, Bernama reported.
After the discussion session, Ahmad Zahid is scheduled to attend a ceremony marking the fiftieth anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China, co-hosted by the Chinese People’s Association of Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) and the Malaysian Embassy in Beijing.
Ahmad Zahid, who can be the chairman of the National Commission for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), was accompanied by Deputy Foreign Minister Mohamad Alamin and Malaysian Ambassador to China Norman Muhamad.
In addition, on Friday he’s to pay a courtesy visit to State Councilor and Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong within the Chinese capital.
Ahmad Zahid may even host a night gala to mark the fiftieth anniversary of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China.
Earlier, a press release from the Malaysian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Ahmad Zahid’s official visit was geared toward strengthening bilateral relations and he is anticipated to explore opportunities for cooperation, especially in the sector of education specializing in TVET, halal industry development and people-to-people exchanges.
