State banquet welcoming Chinese President Xi Jinping features traditional cuisine, performances

PETALING JAYA: The state banquet welcoming Chinese President Xi Jinping features Malaysian traditional delicacies.

During the event on Wednesday (April 16), the dishes served include satay, otak-otak, nasi briyani and Nyonya and Malay kuihs.

The banquet, hosted by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, at Istana Negara, also showcased cultural performances by the National Department for Culture and Arts.

Local singer Suki Low also performed.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Cabinet ministers were among the dignitaries who attended the state event.

Xi is in Malaysia for a three-day state visit starting on Tuesday (April 15). This trip is part of Xi’s first series of state visits in 2025, which includes stops in Vietnam and Cambodia.

Xi’s most recent state visit to Malaysia took place in 2013, during which both countries elevated their diplomatic relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Malaysia and China established diplomatic relations on May 31, 1974. Having celebrated the 50th anniversary of these relations last year, the two countries enjoy strong bilateral ties. Since 2009, China has been Malaysia’s largest trading partner for sixteen years.