KUALA LUMPUR, May 24 (Xinhua) -- Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said Thursday that the new Malaysian government will further strengthen cooperation with China, and welcomes Chinese investment to his country.

China has always been a close friend and important partner of Malaysia, said Mahathir when meeting with Bai Tian, Chinese ambassador to Malaysia.

The new Malaysian government is committed to the strengthening of all-around cooperation with China, including in politics, economy and trade, said Mahathir.

The prime minister praised China for its rapid economic development in recent years, as well as the remarkable achievements in infrastructure building like railway and the ever-advancing technology like in agriculture.

There's much space for cooperation between the two countries, as Malaysia can learn from China's experience in development as well as science and technology, Mahathir said, adding that Malaysia welcomes Chinese companies to invest in Malaysia, and to push forward the development of bilateral ties.

He is also looking forward to visiting China again, Mahathir said.

For his part, Bai congratulated Mahathir for becoming Malaysia's prime minister again, praising his contribution to the China-Malaysia ties and regional cooperation during his last time in office between 1981 and 2003.

The Chinese government is willing to work with the new Malaysian government to push forward pragmatic cooperation on the basis of equality, mutual trust and win-win results, and believes that China-Malaysia ties will reach a new stage during Mahathir's tenure, Bai said.

China appreciated Mahathir's statement after taking office that Malaysia supports the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative and welcomes Chinese investment, said Bai.

China sees Malaysia as an important partner in building the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, and willing to join hands with Malaysia for the common prosperity of the two countries and an Asian community with a shared future, the Chinese envoy added.

Proposed by China in 2013, the Belt and Road Initiative refers to the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, aiming at building a trade and infrastructure network connecting Asia with Europe and Africa along the ancient trade routes of Silk Road.