The year 2018 was far from ordinary. Our world has gone through some dramatic changes, yet still, we saw prospects of stability and development. It has been a year when the clouds of anti-globalization and protectionism cast shadows on our world, and a year when some people started to wonder in hopes and fears about the future we were heading to. Fortunately, with firm faith and sheer courage, the governments and peoples of China and Malaysia coped with opportunities and challenges head-on, and took a steady step forward on our path of national development respectively.

    This year 2018 marks the 40th anniversary of Reform and Opening up, China impressed the world by remarkable achievements which have brought about tremendous benefits to the Chinese people as well as contributed to the sustainable development of the world economy. Looking into the future, the Chinese government and people will not halt our step, and will work unremittingly to realize the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation. In 2018, Malaysia witnessed a historical general election and a smooth change of government. We believe that under the leadership of the new government, Malaysia will achieve further progress and march steadily towards prosperity and stability.

    The year 2019 marks the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Malaysia. Over the past half century, China and Malaysia always regard each other as close neighbors and trustworthy partners. Our friendly and cooperative relations have withstood the test of time and have brought tangible benefits to the peoples. Last August, Prime Minister Dr. Tun Mahathir paid a successful official visit to China soon after his assumption of office. Leaders of our two countries showed to the world our shared determination to further push forward China-Malaysia friendly cooperation. Looking forward into the year of 2019, the Chinese side is ready to join hands with the Malaysian government and people, taking the 45th anniversary as a great opportunity, to embark on a new journey and take China-Malaysia cooperative partnership to the new heights.

    The bell of New Year has been rung, and a new chapter of history has already begun. For China and Malaysia, the year 2019 stretches ahead of us, full of possibilities and aspirations. I wish everyone could go all out in work and to fulfill his or her own dreams. For me, my biggest wishes to go after are the prosperity and stability of China and Malaysia, the good health and well-being of the Chinese and Malaysian people, and the ever-lasting friendship between our two countries.