Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, on a six-day visit to China, was Saturday presented with a copy of the 100-page pictorial book published by Malaysia's national news agency Bernama to commemorate the 40 years of strong bilateral relations between Malaysia and China.
Bernama editor D. Arul Rajoo, who is covering the visit, presented the book to Najib at the Malaysia-China Friendship Dinner in Beijing.
Also present at the dinner, held to commemorate the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties, were Najib's wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, former Vice Chairperson of the National People's Congress and President of the China-Asean Association, Gu Xiulian, and Datuk Abdul Majid Khan, president of the Malaysia-China Friendship Association.
Guests also received a copy of the book, entitled "TIES THAT BIND Malaysia & China" and written in English and Chinese.
The book traces the historic visit by Malaysia's second prime minister, Tun Abdul Razak Hussein, to China in May 1974, the strong bilateral ties over the years as well as the arrival of the two giant pandas, Fu Wa and Feng Yi, to Zoo Negara in Kuala Lumpur last week.
Articles in the book touch on the early diplomatic overtures, the enhanced friendship between the leaders of both countries, the growth of business partnerships and investments, increased people-to-people contacts through sports, education and culture, and the way forward for Malaysia-China relations in the future.
Bernama general manager Datuk Yong Soo Heong had said that the book would be especially meaningful for companies and enterprises with a lot of business dealings with their counterparts in China and those who were keen on Malaysia-China relations.
For the initial print run, Bernama is also accepting orders for corporate logos to be inserted in the book.
Several companies and organisations have placed special orders and they include the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade), 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) and Hai-O Enterprise Bhd.
-- BERNAMA