The 2024 Zhaoqing Half Marathon and Friendship Run, celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between China and Malaysia, was held in Zhaoqing on March 31.

A total of 14,000 runners from all over the world took part in the event, including 50 Malaysian runners who were invited to join their Chinese counterparts. 

The Friendship Run was organized by the Zhaoqing Government, the Guangdong People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, the Consulate General of Malaysia in Guangzhou, and the Malaysia-China Friendship Association Sabah. It symbolizes the long-standing friendship between China and Malaysia.

Suraya Pauzi, Consul General of Malaysia in Guangzhou, said she was excited to come to Zhaoqing, a city with a rich history and a pristine environment. Pauzi pointed out that remarkable achievements have been made in China-Malaysia relations, and Malaysia has close cooperation with Guangdong in the fields of economy, trade, culture, and tourism.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Malaysia. The mutual visa-free entry arrangement was launched in 2023, greatly facilitating people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.