MANAMA (Bahrain), Nov 9 — The state visit of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, to Bahrain has been described as a significant effort to strengthen the close relationship between the two countries.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Khaled Nordin, as the minister-in-attendance for the visit, said that in challenging geopolitical situations, it’s important for Malaysia to have friendly countries that have understanding and can cooperate strategically.
“Such state visits are part of His Majesty’s efforts to strengthen ties directly and personally. During this visit, we can see that Sultan Ibrahim can go beyond a relationship that can lead to a truly close and trusting relationship between the countries.
“This is extremely important for Malaysia because we practice a policy of neutrality and, at times, express statements and positions that may not be accepted by most parties. Friendly nations like this can understand and together provide support and strength,” he told Bernama during the visit.
Mohamed Khaled said the country’s stance of not wanting to be tied to any bloc demands that Malaysia open a wider space for its market to be expanded.
“Bahrain, as a producer of oil and gas and aluminium, is a country whose economy is strong, and today focuses on the services, professional and financial sectors, among others. It can be a strategic partner for Malaysia in our efforts to open markets in other places, such as Africa and so on.”
“Bahrain can play that role in providing mutual support. The relationship between the two countries has already been pioneered by His Majesty. So, it is now up to the leadership on how to manage it so that it truly brings benefits.
“That is the significance of this visit and the ties forged. This matter requires strategic planning, with how we take advantage of the path that has been opened and the close relationship that has been established,” he said.
In terms of security, Mohamed Khaled said Malaysia and Bahrain, being members of Asean and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) respectively, view peace and stability with the two blocs are extremely crucial to strengthen bilateral trade.
“Bahrain and Malaysia are trade partners and we do not want to see this area having a crisis that can affect world trade. The aspects of GCC-Asean defence and security were among those focused on.
“Bahrain is a collaborative space that needs to be harnessed to increase the country’s trade.
“The security of both regions is very important, and that’s why there is a need to have a relationship in terms of defence, as well as sharing information, intelligence sharing and experience in maintaining security,” said Mohamed Khaled.
Bahrain remains among Malaysia’s major trade partners in West Asia and is Malaysia’s ninth-largest trading partner, 11th-largest export destination and eighth-largest import source among West Asian countries.
His Majesty left for home on Sunday after ending a three-day state visit to Bahrain.
The special aircraft carrying Sultan Ibrahim departed from the Royal Lounge at Bahrain International Airport, Muharraq, here at 8 pm local time (1am Malaysian time) and safely arrived at the Royal Hangar at Senai International Airport (LTAS) at 8.30am. — Bernama
