On April 28, 2011, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao held talks with his Malaysian counterpart Najib in Kuala Lumpur. Both sides exchanged views in a comprehensive, in-depth manner on how to enhance China-Malaysia strategic cooperation as well as international and regional issues of common concern and reached broad consensus.

Wen said with their profound traditional amity and frequent friendly exchanges, the two countries have been supporting each other on issues concerning their core interests and taking care of the major concerns of each other, and more recently standing side by side coping with the global financial crisis. At present, the bilateral exchanges and cooperation are being deepened in all areas and the growth of overall bilateral ties is showing a sound momentum. As both nations are at a critical stage of their development, they should, in face of the complex international and regional environment, further expand cooperation to better cope with their common challenges and safeguard their common interests, Wen said.

For his part, Najib said his country attaches great importance to the development of the bilateral ties, regarding China as a close friend and reliable partner. With efforts from both sides, the bilateral cooperation has advanced positively in every field over recent years, he said. The Malaysian leader said Wen's visit to his country would inject fresh momentum and vitality into the bilateral relationship. He said Malaysia is confident in the prospect of that relationship and it is willing to work closely with China to make greater progress in the bilateral ties.

Wen made a four-point proposal to further strengthen China-Malaysia strategic cooperative ties.

First, enhance high-level exchanges and deepen mutual trust. The two Foreign Ministries should establish strategic consultation mechanism to strengthen communication and coordination and push for long-term stable and sound development of bilateral ties.

Second, further deepen pragmatic cooperation on economy, trade, finance, maritime affair and law enforcement. Both sides should identify the principle, direction and framework of their future cooperation, work out the five-year plan on China-Malaysia economic and trade cooperation and push forward cooperation on large economic projects and key areas. He urged both countries to optimize trade mix by increasing trade of products of high technology and of high added value. He called on both sides to expand local currency settlement in bilateral trade and uplift the level of economic and trade relations. Mutual investment should be expanded. China welcomes Malaysian businesses to actively participate in the development of the Northeast and Midwest regions of China. Both sides should also step up the implementation of marine cooperation agreements between the two governments to push marine cooperation for tangible progress and jointly safeguard security in the Malacca Strait. Both sides should work together to combat transnational crimes in a bid to offer a strong guarantee for the two countries’ economic and social development and friendly cooperation.

Third, expand humanities exchanges and continuously consolidate the social basis of bilateral friendship. Wen urged both countries to enhance exchanges on culture, tourism and journalism. Both sides should advance education cooperation by taking the opportunity of signing an agreement on mutual recognition of academic degrees in higher education. Both sides should also well hold next year’s exchange of visits by youths of the two countries to build up mutual understanding and friendship between young people of both sides.

Fourth, enhance communication and cooperation in international and regional affairs. Both sides should make joint efforts to push East Asia cooperation to develop in a right and sound direction and safeguard peace, stability and prosperity of the region.

Echoing Premier Wen’s proposals on pushing forward bilateral ties, Najib said Malaysia is ready to further enhance bilateral strategic consultations and personnel exchanges at all levels, promote mutual trust, expand cooperation on economy, trade, finance, investment, infrastructure, tourism, education, youth, traditional Chinese medicine and law enforcement and boost coordination in international and regional affairs. Malaysia welcomes more Chinese businesses to invest in the country and continue to play a positive role in Malaysia’s economic and social development.

Following the talks, the two leaders witnessed the signing of several cooperation agreements between the governments and businesses of the two countries and jointly met the press.

Prior to the talks, Najib held a grand welcome ceremony for Premier Wen.