Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad demonstrates a picture showing his visit to China in the 1980s during an interview with Xinhua in Putrajaya, Malaysia, on Aug. 16, 2018. (Xinhua/Chong Voon Chung)

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- Malaysian business communities, media and experts are optimistic about the bilateral relations and cooperation with China following the official visit by Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad to China, saying the visit is bringing up the bilateral relations to a new level and opening up new areas for cooperation.

"VERY SUCCESSFUL" VISIT

Mahathir's five-day official visit to China, which is wrapping up on Tuesday, has been "very successful", said Abdul Majid Ahmad Khan, Malaysia's former ambassador to China.

"It's good that the leaders meet face to face, which cleared the uncertainties over bilateral relations" following Malaysia's general election in May that saw Mahathir returned as prime minister, Majid told Xinhua.

Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Mahathir in Beijing on Monday, calling for better ties between the two countries in the new era. Premier Li Keqiang also held talks with Mahathir on Monday, saying China will work with Malaysia to promote the bilateral neighborly friendship to a new high.

The local Sinchew daily said in a commentary that the Malaysian prime minister's visit has brought a closer relationship between the two countries and has laid a solid foundation for future friendly development.

The newspaper said Malaysia and China have reached consensus and are looking forward to pushing the bilateral relations to a higher level.

Also on Monday, Malaysia and China released a joint statement, saying that standing at new historical junctures of their respective national development, China and Malaysia are optimistic about the prospect of their bilateral relations.

During Mahathir's first tenure as prime minister from 1981 to 2003, Malaysia developed close relations with China, said Oh Ei Sun, special adviser for international affairs of Malaysia's Asian Strategy and Leadership Institute.

"It can be said that this visit is a new starting point for the bilateral relations between Malaysia and China," said Oh, adding that the visit could bring more Chinese companies to invest in Malaysia for deeper economic ties and greater free trade, which could set an example for cooperation in the region and among other countries.

"Mahathir stressed the long and friendly relationship between Malaysia and China, and that Malaysia will continue its support and active participation in the Belt and Road Initiative. This is a clear signal that Malaysia wants to continue the mutual beneficial cooperation with China, to bring benefit to both peoples," said Tan Yew Sing, president of the Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce.

NEW AREA FOR COOPERATION

The cooperation between Malaysia and China has been developing fast in recent years. China has been Malaysia's largest trading partner since 2009 and its largest source of investment in manufacture for two consecutive years.

Majid said Mahathir's visit allows Malaysia to look at China for a fresh outlook of cooperation.

During the visit, Mahathir also visited several of China's top companies including e-commerce giant Alibaba, car manufacturer Geely and drone making company DJI.

Majid, who was present at some of Mahathir's events during the visit, said the Malaysian prime minister had urged his fellow Malaysians to learn from China in areas like the application of technology, and the attitude of being a producer instead of only being a consumer.

"The visit clears path on future direction of cooperation," said Majid, adding that he expects more cooperation between the two countries in manufacturing, automotive, e-commerce and agricultural technology.