KUALA LUMPUR, Aug. 20 (Xinhua) -- The official visit by Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad to China has brought a closer relations between the two countries and has laid a solid foundation for future friendly development, a Malaysian daily said Monday.
The 5-day official visit is widely watched as it is Mahathir's first visit to China since he returned as Prime Minister in May, said Sinchew Daily in a comment on its evening edition.
The purpose of Mahathir's visit is to wipe out doubts arises following the change of government after the general elections, and to further enhance political trust between the two countries, it said.
As a developing country, Malaysia needs foreign investment to support its economic development. Any foreign investment, including those from China, will be welcomed as long as it would help the economic growth.
"Malaysia hasn't changed its stance despite the change of government," the article said.
"Malaysia has released a very clear message, namely the government will continue its good ties with China and will push it forward on the basis of mutual benefit," said the daily, adding that the Chinese side has responded positively.
The daily said the removal of uncertainties is good for both countries and Malaysia has already harvested economic benefit from Mahathir's visit, as China has indicated its willingness to increase import of Malaysian products including palm oil and other agricultural goods.
"It means the trade between Malaysia and China would further expand, bringing in a positive factor for our economic development."
The newspaper said Malaysia and China have reached consensus and are looking forward to pushing the bilateral relations to a higher level.
During the visit, Mahathir has met with Chinese leaders, visited several of China's top companies including e-commerce giant Alibaba, car manufacturer Geely and the drone making company DJI.
During his first tenure as prime minister, from 1981 to 2003, Mahathir visited China seven times, and nine more times after he retired, said New Strait Times, another Malaysian daily, in its report.
Mahathir's "landmark" visit to China is expected to strengthen bilateral relations between Malaysia and China, especially in the areas of politics, trade, investment, agriculture, technology and regional security, the newspaper said.
