The Malaysia-China Friendship Year 2004 has numerous activities to mark the 30 th anniversary of the resumption of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

On 10 January 2004, Malaysia's Prime Minister YAB Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi is expected to launch the Malaysia-China Friendship Year at 3pm at the Admiral Cheng Ho Gallery near the Stadthuys in Melaka.

Malaysia's Minister of Culture, Arts and Tourism YB Dato Paduka Abdul Kadir Hj. Sheikh Fadzir will be present along with representatives from China led by Her Excellency Madam Meng Xiaosi, China's Deputy Minister of Culture.

Following the launch, Prime Minister YAB Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi will officiate the Admiral Cheng Ho Gallery and a monthlong photographic exhibition on Malaysia-China diplomatic ties at the same venue. The exhibition commemorates the 600 th anniversary of the travels of Admiral Cheng Ho who commenced diplomatic relations between China and the Malacca Sultanate in the early 15 th century.

At 8pm, Melaka Chief Minister YAB Datuk Seri Hj. Mohd Ali bin Rustam will launch the Chinese New Year festival in conjunction with the upcoming Chinese New Year celebration at Jonker Street. There will be cultural performances and a fireworks display.

The year 2004 has been declared MalaysiaChina Friendship Year following the bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and the President of the People's Republic of China, His Excellency Wen Jiabao on 16 September 2003 in Beijing.

On 11 January 2004 10.30am, a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on cultural exchange activities will be signed by Malaysia's Minister of Culture, Arts and Tourism YB Dato' Paduka Abdul Kadir bin Sheikh Fadzir and Her Excellency Madam Meng Xiaosi at the National Arts Gallery in Kuala Lumpur. The MOU signing will be followed by a jointlaunch of a Chinese Contemporary Arts Exhibition by Abdul Kadir and Madam Meng.

The MalaysiaChina Friendship Year will be celebrated continuously throughout the year 2004. For starters, the Genting Highland Resorts is featuring the Dances of the Dynasties from 916 January 2004.

Issued by Communications Division, Tourism Malaysia
Date: 31 Dec 2003
For more info, please contact Anis Shabirin at
aniss@tourism.gov.my or call 0326935188