Chinese President Hu Jintao arrives in Kuala Lumpur by special plane, kicking off a state visit to Malaysia

On November 10, 2009, Chinese President Hu Jintao arrived in Kuala Lumpur by special plane, kicking off his state visit to Malaysia.

At about 15:30, President Hu's special plane arrived at Kuala Lumpur International Airport. President Hu and his wife Liu Yongqing were warmly greeted by Malaysian Foreign Minister Anifah Aman and Minister of Transport Datuk Ong Tee Keat at the airport.

In his written speech delivered at the airport, Hu pointed out Malaysia is a friendly neighbor of China and the traditional friendship between the two people enjoys a time-honored history. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties 30 years ago, bilateral relations have been developing rapidly with frequent high-level exchange of visits, close people-to-people contacts and fruitful cooperation in all areas. China and Malaysia, both developing countries in the Asia-Pacific region, share a wide range of common interests. Under the new situation, to deepen China-Malaysia strategic cooperation serves the fundamental interest of both countries and their peoples and is also conducive to regional peace, stability and prosperity.

Hu said he looks forward to exchanging in-depth views with Supreme Head of State Mizan Abidin and Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak on bilateral ties as well as other issues of common concern and broadly engaging with Malaysian personage from various circles. He hoped that both sides, through this visit, will build up mutual understanding and friendship, enhance mutually beneficial cooperation and push bilateral strategic cooperative relations to a new level.

Accompanying officials including Ling Jihua, Wang Huning and Dai Bingguo arrived by the same plane.

Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia Liu Jian and the staff of the embassy also greeted Hu and his delegation at the airport.

Later, President Hu went to the Parliament Square to attend a grand welcoming ceremony held by Supreme Head of State Mizan Abidin for his visit.

Following the welcoming ceremony, Mizan accompanied President Hu and his wife Liu Yongqing to the hotel where they would stay. Hu had a courtesy meeting with Mizan as well as Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak and his wife at the hotel.

Following his visit to Malaysia, Hu will also pay a state visit to Singapore and attend the Economic Leaders Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) scheduled for Nov. 14-15.