(VOVworld) - Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said on Wednesday that China is ready to work with Malaysia to push bilateral relations and pragmatic cooperation to a higher level.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (R) meets with Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak in Vientiane, Laos, Sept. 7, 2016. (Photo: Xinhua/Rao Aimin)

Li made the remarks while meeting his Malaysian counterpart, Najib Razak, on the sidelines of East Asia leaders' meetings in Vientiane, Laos.

China regards Malaysia as a friendly neighbor and a trustworthy partner, Li said, adding that bilateral relations have continuously made progress and cooperation in key areas has been developing smoothly.

He said  that China is willing to join the efforts of ASEAN of which Malaysia is a member, to safeguard regional peace and stability and promote common development and prosperity.

Razak said that Malaysian-Chinese relations have solid foundations and good prospects.