Chinese President Xi Jinping's upcoming visit to Malaysia has drawn extensive coverage from local media, which said the trip is likely to elevate bilateral ties to a higher level.

Sin Chew Daily, a leading Chinese-language newspaper in Malaysia, published Thursday a front-page report on Xi's visit, with a sizable picture showing Chinese national flags adorning the street in front of the Prime Minister Office in Putrajaya, the country's federal administrative center.

Quoting Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, the report listed and expounded the highlights of Xi's Malaysia visit, which it said is of "great significance."

"The visit is an indication of the two countries' common aspiration for further deepening and promoting bilateral relations, especially in the area of economic and trade cooperation," it said.

Entitled "China Dawn," a front page report from the New Strait Times on Wednesday hailed Xi's visit as a "watershed moment" promising to usher in a new era in Malaysia's relations with China.

The publication reported that the Chinese and Malaysian leaders would take this opportunity to work together and set the future course of bilateral ties.

A whole page was devoted to a written interview with Xi highlighting the Chinese leader's advocation for increased trade and economic cooperation with Malaysia, and with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as a whole, as the two sides "share aspirations and common destiny."

An earlier article by a New Strait Times columnist said Xi's visit would mark a long-standing bilateral relationship that has been nurtured by frequent exchange of visits by top leaders of both nations.

"Xi coming to Malaysia so soon after assuming office will signal the importance China attaches to this country, particularly, and Southeast Asia generally," said the article, adding that Malaysia can depend on the "deep well" of Chinese goodwill.

Noting that China is an ascendant global power and its actions and behavior will increasingly have huge global impact, it urged Malaysia to further consolidate and enhance its good relationship with China.

Malaysia's state news agency Bernama said in a report Wednesday that Malaysia is "rolling out the red carpet" for Xi, whose inaugural state visit is set to elevate Kuala Lumpur-Beijing ties to a higher level.

It quoted Malaysian Foreign Minister Anifah Aman as saying that the visit will enable Xi and Malaysian leaders to chart the future direction of Malaysia-China relations, and reaffirm their commitment to strengthening cooperation in all fields.

The Chinese president is scheduled to arrive in the Malaysian capital city of Kuala Lumpur Thursday after wrapping up a state visit to Indonesia, the first stop of his maiden trip to Southeast Asia since assuming the presidency in March.

During his stay in Malaysia, Xi will meet with the Supreme Head of State Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah, hold talks with Prime Minister Najib and attend the China-Malaysia Economic Cooperation Summit.

He will also be joined by the Malaysian prime minister to witness the signing of a number of cooperative deals between the two countries.

From Malaysia, Xi will travel on to the Indonesian resort island of Bali to attend the 21st economic leaders' meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation.

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