PETALING JAYA: China’s Premier Li Keqiang is looking forward to working with newly minted Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob to further strengthen the cooperation between both countries.

       According to the republic’s national television channel CCTV, Li congratulated Ismail Sabri as the ninth Prime Minister of Malaysia through a telephone call yesterday.

       In his message, Li said China and Malaysia have been “good friends and important partners” for a long time, and that both nations had maintained good momentum in developments throughout the years.

       He said bilateral cooperation in various fields have been close and deep, bringing tangible benefits to the people of both countries, while making positive contributions to regional stability and development.

       ‘’I look forward to working with the new Malaysian Prime Minister to further strengthen our close cooperation,’’ he said.

       The cooperation includes joint efforts in fighting the Covid-19 pandemic and strengthening economic development, promoting practical cooperation in key areas and achieving more results, and enhancing the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Malaysia in order to reach new heights.