On the afternoon of February 28 2005, Chinese President Hu Jintao received Malaysian supreme head of state, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin at the Great Hall of the People, who is paying a state visit to China.

President Hu Jintao spoke positively of the relations between China and Malaysia. He said that China and Malaysia are close and friendly neighbors. The friendship between the two peoples has a long history. As early as 600 years ago, the Chinese diplomat of Ming Dynasty, Zheng He set sails across the Atlantic for 7 times and accredited diplomat in the Strait of Malacca for 5 times, leaving many historical stories behind. Since the establishment of diplomatic tie 30 years ago, the two countries have maintained close high-level exchanges. The exchange at all levels is active and frequent. The bilateral trade is growing fast. The cooperation in many fields such as agriculture, science and technology, resource exploitation, infrastructure building, tourism is developing comprehensively. The bilateral ties become mature and enter a new phase of all-round development.

Hu said that China and Malaysia warmly celebrated the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties and China-Malaysia Friendly Year last year, further identifying the objectives and direction of the development of bilateral relations in the new century. The Chinese side is willing to join hands with the Malaysian side to carry forward the traditional friendship, consolidate the strategic cooperation and raise the comprehensive friendly cooperation as kind neighbors to a new height.

Hu also commented positively on Malaysia for its unfailing support of the one-China policy and its contribution to promoting ASEAN's relations with China. He said that China is willing to support Malaysia to hold the first East Asian Summit and to promote the cooperation among East Asian countries and achieve new progress.

Sirajuddin said that Chinese people are wise and industrious, making amazing achievements in the process of building their own country. He said that it is his first visit to China. He hoped that the leaders of two countries maintain close relations to promote the development of bilateral ties. He reaffirmed that Malaysia will firmly uphold one-China policy, and will never change its position. Malaysia is willing to work with China to expand the mutual cooperation in the fields of economy and trade, aviation, tourism, energy and education so as to benefit the people of two countries.

Ahead of the meeting, President Hu Jintao hosted a welcoming ceremony to receive visiting Sirajuddin at the Great Hall of the People. Among those present at the ceremony were the first lady Liu Yongqing, Vice Chairman Re Di of the standing committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan and Vice Chairman Zhang Siqing of Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), Vice Chairman Sang Guowei of the Central Committee of the Central Committee of the Chinese Peasants' and Workers' Democratic Party, and other top officials.