KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 23 (Sin Chew Daily) — Regardless of changes, friendship between China and Malaysia will remain and he will deliver his best for the bilateral ties to scale heights as the 16th ambassador, says Ouyang Yujing, the new ambassador of China to Malaysia.

Through a virtual dialogue, Ouyang told the Malaysia-China Friendship Association that the COVID-19 pandemic had impacted many countries in the world but Malaysia and China were on the same boat.

"This is the best evidence of friendship between our two countries.

"In future, both countries will continue to battle the virus and work on economic recovery together as good friends, good neighbors and good partners," he said.

Ouyang also praised the effort made by Malaysia-China Friendship Association over the years, including organizing major events such as the gala dinner to celebrate the 45th anniversary of establishing formal ties with China.

The youth exchange program organized in the last two years has also helped foster friendship and more understanding between the young people of both countries.

Ouyang said bilateral friendship can be continued with the next generations. 

Ouyang arrived in Kuala Lumpur on Monday (Dec 21), and the Malaysia-China Friendship Association is the first organization to have a virtual meeting with the new envoy while the latter is currently undergoing self-quarantine.

Abdul Majid Ahmad Khan, the president of Malaysia-China Friendship Association, said Ouyang is shouldering an important mission as the Ambassador of China to Malaysia during the COVID-19 pandemic.

He said China had achieved great success in its battle against the pandemic and had assisted other countries in their battles against the virus. China has also set an example for other countries in the world by donating medical equipment to many countries.

Abdul Majid expressed his gratitude to the support extended by the Embassy of China to Malaysia to mobilize interaction between the youths of two countries.

While the pandemic has prevented mutual visits, technology advancement has opened a new channel for interaction.

The Malaysia-China Friendship Association has organized many virtual events for young people of both countries to participate and interact.

The Malaysia-China Friendship Association also held its 28th annual general meeting after the dialogue.