BEIJING, May 31 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and his counterpart Li Keqiang have expressed confidence that the ties between Malaysia and China will grow stronger despite various challenges.

Najib said challenges like the MH370 has tested the relations but was confident that the ties would withstand such challenges.

“Like all friendships, ours is sometimes tested. Malaysia was deeply saddened by the tragic disappearance of Flight MH370, with 50 Malaysian passengers and crew and 154 Chinese passengers on board.

“Facing a mystery without precedent, we were grateful for the support of the Chinese government, which has spared no expense in the search effort. We will not rest until the plane is found.

“I believe that, with time, we will grow even closer together. Good relations are easy when times are good; but true friendship is forged in difficulty.

“In his speech four decades ago, my father (Tun Abdul Razak Hussein) stressed that ‘this goodwill that exists between us must be carefully nurtured’,” said Najib in his speech at the commemoration of the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two nations.

Najib also touch on the long historical ties between the two countries and pointed out that the relations was not a recent one and had spanned a millennium.

“Our nations are joined by a history that spans a thousand years. The friendship that began during the Song dynasty flourished under the Ming, as a relationship built on trade was strengthened by blood — as Chinese families made the Straits of Malacca their home.

“From Zheng He (famous Chinese maritime explorer) and the Peranakans to Dr Sun Yat Sen (China’s first president as a republic) in Penang, our nations’ stories share the same cast.”

Najib said it was thus not surprising that Malaysia was the first in Asean to establish diplomatic relations with China.

The Malaysian leader also reiterated his obligation to ensure the ties would continue to grow since his father Tun Razak was the one who established the ties with then Chinese premier Zhou Enlai.

“I feel not just the responsibility of government, but the responsibility to my father — to continue his legacy and ensure the deepening of Malaysia-China ties.

“I had asked my father then why did he do it despite some opposition at home. My father told me ‘I know I can trust that man Zhou Enlai’,” said Najib.

Li in his speech described the ties as “a luxuriant tree that has grown from a sapling planted 40 years ago by Tun Razak and Zhou Enlai” and expressed confidence that “this magnificent flower will continue to bloom.”

The Chinese leader said the past 40 years of ties had benefitted both countries and called for China and Malaysia to continue to work together.

“Our four decades of ties has been a shining example for the rest of the world.

“We must ensure that our relations must be reflected in all of our foreign policies,” Li said.

He said the people of both nations but there needs to be more efforts to encourage more exchanges between the population.

In what could be seen as his only references to the MH370 tragedy, he stated: “With 40 years of relations behind us, we can endure any hardship together.”

Li said he was confident the good relations would extend beyond another 40 years where China would work Malaysia to usher in a better future.

To mark the occasion, Najib gave Li a set of commemorative coins for the anniversary issued by Bank Negara while Li handed over stamps issued by China Post for the 40 years of ties.

The two sides also signed a 10-page joint communiqué that touched on wide ranging subjects from politics to regional security, education and economic matters where the two countries would continue work together.

Malaysia also reaffirmed its “firm adherence to the One China policy” where Taiwan is inalienable part of China and there was a need for “a peaceful reunification of China.”