The Air China aircraft carrying Li and his delegation touched down at the KLIA Bunga Raya Complex at 8.44pm.
Li was greeted by Chinese ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing, transport minister Loke Siew Fook and Malaysia’s ambassador to China Norman Muhamad.
Upon arrival, Li inspected a static guard of honour mounted by 28 officers and personnel from the 1st Battalion, Royal Ranger Regiment (ceremonial), led by Capt Nur Ahmad Zaim Zahari.
“Currently, China is advancing Chinese modernisation on all fronts through high-quality development. Malaysia, on its part, is promoting national development under the vision of Malaysia Madani. China is ready to work with Malaysia,” he said upon arrival at KLIA this evening.
“We have consolidated strategic mutual trust, strengthened people-to-people and cultural exchanges, and achieved fruitful results in Belt and Road cooperation.
“Malaysia is a major emerging economy in Asia, a key member of Asean, and an important force for regional prosperity and stability,” Li said.
Li’s visit coincides with the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China, following the signing of the joint communiqué between second prime minister Abdul Razak Hussein and then Chinese premier Chou En Lai on May 31, 1974.
During his visit, Li is scheduled to hold a meeting with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to discuss bilateral matters and exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest.
Both leaders will also witness the signing of several memoranda of understanding and agreements in various areas of cooperation, including digital economy, green development, tourism, housing and urban development, higher education, science and technology and the export of agricultural commodities to China.
They will also attend a dinner in celebration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
Li will also have an audience with Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim.
The Chinese premier is expected to attend the East Coast Rail Link groundbreaking ceremony in Gombak and a luncheon with the business communities of both countries.
China has remained Malaysia’s largest trading partner for 15 consecutive years since 2009, with RM451 billion in total trade in 2023.
Malaysia’s ties with China have grown from strength to strength since the elevation of bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2013.