Sultan Ibrahim begins historic state visits to Saudi Arabia and Bahrain to enhance diplomatic relations and cooperation across multiple sectors
KUALA LUMPUR: His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, will embark on a state visit to Saudi Arabia and Bahrain beginning tomorrow to strengthen Malaysia’s diplomatic ties with both nations spanning 68 years.
Istana Negara stated today that this visit would be historic as it marks the first state visit by a Malaysian King to Saudi Arabia since the late Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah’s visit in 1984.
During the Riyadh visit, His Majesty is scheduled to hold a four-eye meeting with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman at Al-Yamamah Palace.
Accompanying the King are his sons Tunku Idris Iskandar Al-Haj, Tunku Abdul Rahman Al-Haj, and Tunku Abu Bakar Al-Haj along with Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin as Minister-In-Attendance.
This state visit reflects the continued commitment of Malaysia and Saudi Arabia to further strengthen bilateral relations across multiple sectors.
The two nations seek to expand cooperation in areas including the economy, geopolitics, defence and Islamic affairs.
Istana Negara noted that during the first 10 months of this year, there had been 12 high-profile visits between Malaysia and Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia ranks as Malaysia’s 14th largest trading partner with total trade amounting to RM44.74 billion.
Close relations are also evident in Haj and Umrah matters with His Majesty expected to convey appreciation for Saudi hospitality toward Malaysian pilgrims.
Upon completing the Saudi visit, Sultan Ibrahim will depart for Bahrain on November 6 at King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa’s invitation.
This marks the first state visit since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and Bahrain in 1974.
Sultan Ibrahim and King Hamad share a long-standing friendship dating back years.
His Majesty visited Bahrain in 2017 as Sultan of Johor while King Hamad attended Sultan Ibrahim’s installation ceremony as Yang di-Pertuan Agong last year.
Malaysia and Bahrain enjoy active cooperation across multiple sectors with total trade valued at RM1.19 billion last year.
Both nations maintain strong engagement internationally through the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and Gulf Cooperation Council–ASEAN framework.
Sultan Ibrahim stated that these trips are part of Malaysia’s ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral ties with key nations.
His Majesty emphasised the importance of close cooperation and friendship that bring mutual benefits to peoples and nations.
Saudi Arabia and Bahrain are two nations very close to His Majesty’s heart and of significant strategic importance.
The King called upon all Malaysians to pray for the visit’s success for the country’s long-term benefit. – Bernama
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