BEIJING, Sept. 20 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday held talks with Malaysia's King Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar in Beijing, pledging to work with Malaysia to bring the building of a China-Malaysia community with a shared future to a new level.

Xi pointed out that as neighbors across the sea, China and Malaysia enjoy a time-honored friendship. Since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1974, China and Malaysia have always been on friendly terms and supported each other, setting a fine example of mutual achievements and win-win cooperation among countries.

Xi said this year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries and the Year of China-Malaysia Friendship, a significant year for China-Malaysia relations to build on past achievements and forge ahead into the future. China is further deepening reform comprehensively and advancing high-standard opening-up, which will bring new impetus and opportunities to China-Malaysia cooperation, Xi added.

China is ready to work with Malaysia to carry forward fine traditions, and be close neighbors of everlasting friendship, sincere partners of joint development, brotherly friends and an important force for peace, Xi said, adding that the two countries should deepen strategic cooperation in each other's modernization process and push the building of a China-Malaysia community with a shared future to a new level.

China is willing to maintain close high-level exchanges with Malaysia, enhance strategic communication, and support each other on issues involving their respective core interests and major concerns, Xi said, adding that China supports the vision of "Malaysia Madani" and is willing to share state governance experience with Malaysia.

He also said that China is ready to better synergize development strategies with Malaysia, carry out high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, implement key projects such as the "Two Countries, Twin Parks" and the East Coast Rail Link, step up cooperation on agriculture and poverty reduction, and tap further the potential of cooperation on new energy, digital economy and other high-tech industries.

Xi said that the two sides should deepen mutual learning between the Chinese and Islamic civilizations, strengthen cooperation in higher education, joint scientific research and other fields, and enhance mutual understanding and affinity between the two peoples.

As important members of the Asia Pacific region, developing countries and emerging economies, China and Malaysia should play a guiding role in making the China-Malaysia community with a shared future more relevant to the times and more globally significant, said Xi.

China supports Malaysia in assuming the rotating presidency of ASEAN next year, and is willing to work with Malaysia to promote East Asian cooperation and regional economic integration, and enhance coordination regarding major hotspot and international issues, to contribute to regional and global peace and stability, Xi added.

King Sultan Ibrahim said he was honored to pay his first state visit to China in the capacity of Malaysia's head of state and hailed China's remarkable development achievements. He said that Malaysia supports the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative proposed by President Xi. Malaysia regards China as a reliable partner, and is committed to developing a strong partnership with China, he said.

King Sultan Ibrahim said Malaysia is willing to work with China to jointly build the Belt and Road and deepen cooperation on economy, trade, investment, infrastructure, interconnectivity, culture and education. He said that the country is ready to work with the Chinese side to make constructive contributions to maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea.

The Malaysian side greatly appreciates China's fair and just stance on the Palestinian issue and is willing to strengthen communication and coordination with China on international and regional affairs, said the king.

Prior to the talks, Xi held a welcoming ceremony for King Sultan Ibrahim. Later in the evening, Xi held a welcoming banquet for the king in the Great Hall of the People.