Premier Li Keqiang talked with Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin via video link in Beijing on May 21.

They exchanged opinions on Sino-Malaysian relations and global cooperation in the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic.

China and Malaysia are neighbors across the sea with a long-lasting friendship, and both contributed to the peaceful and steady development in the region, Premier Li said.

As the COVID-19 pandemic is still spreading around the world, no country can stand out of the picture. The international community should enhance cooperation in fighting the pandemic and jointly build a community of shared hygiene and health for mankind, the Premier said.

Malaysia is the first country to sign an intergovernmental agreement on COVID-19 vaccine cooperation with China and the first to reach a mutually beneficial arrangement on vaccination with China, Premier Li said.

China supports Malaysia to improve its vaccine production capability and the two countries’ health departments and experts to strengthen communication, cooperation and experience-sharing, and hopes Malaysia could guarantee Chinese citizens in Malaysia will receive COVID-19 vaccinations as soon as possible, Premier Li added.

China-Malaysia economic and trade cooperation was growing against the COVID-19 pandemic, showing close interest ties and complimentary cooperation between the two sides, the Premier said.

China is willing to deepen cooperation with Malaysia in economic and trade investment, digital economy, manufacturing, agriculture and maritime transport infrastructure, among others, according to the Premier.

Chinese enterprises are encouraged to invest in Malaysia in accordance with market principles and business rules, to better achieve mutual benefit and win-win results, Premier Li added.

For his part, Muhyiddin said the traditional friendship between Malaysia and China benefits the people of both sides.

Malaysia, he said, highly values its relations with China, and firmly supports and is willing to deepen the mutually beneficial and win-win cooperation with China.

While welcoming Chinese enterprises, Muhyiddin expressed his hope to enhance cooperation with the Chinese side in trade and investment, digital economy, high technology, industrial parks, and agriculture.

China's strong support played an important role in Malaysia's fight against COVID-19, he said, adding that Malaysia is willing to strengthen cooperation with China in the regard, and share successful experiences.

Malaysia will provide convenient access for Chinese citizens in the nation for vaccination, he added.

They also exchanged opinions on international and regional issues of common concern.

State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi and He Lifeng, head of the National Development and Reform Commission, also attended.