Johari Highlights Ties, Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship During Visit To Saudi Arabia

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 31 (Bernama) -- Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul held a bilateral meeting with the Saudi Arabian Government Syura Council Speaker Sheikh Dr Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al Sheikh during his recent official visit to Saudi Arabia.

In a statement issued last night, the Malaysian Parliament highlighted that Johari's meeting with his Saudi counterpart was part of ongoing efforts to strengthen diplomatic ties and enhance collaboration between the Malaysian Parliament and the Saudi Syura Council.

The discussion centred on the importance of bolstering bilateral relations in various fields, including the economy, education and cultural exchange, in line with the aspirations of both nations to enhance cooperation at global and regional levels.

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"The Dewan Rakyat Speaker also took the opportunity to discuss Malaysia's chairmanship of ASEAN in 2025 during the meeting.

"Malaysia is committed to strengthening cooperation with friendly nations, including Saudi Arabia, to ensure the success of its chairmanship and to maintain ASEAN's strategic role in addressing regional and global issues," the statement said.

In the same statement, Johari emphasised that Malaysia views its close relationship with Saudi Arabia as a priority in empowering ASEAN as a robust economic bloc and a unifying voice for the Muslim world.

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"We hope this cooperation will pave the way for new opportunities, particularly in enhancing economic resilience, food security, renewable energy and regional diplomacy," he said.

As part of his visit, Johari toured the International Exhibition and Museum of the Prophet's Biography and Islamic Civilisation, a unique Saudi initiative that showcases the life of Prophet Muhammad and the achievements of Islamic civilisation.

The Speaker also visited At Turaif, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Ad Diriyah, the first capital of Saudi Arabia until 1818.

"This visit provided an opportunity to gain deeper insight into the history of the Bani Hanifah settlement, which led to the establishment of Diriyah and the eventual formation of the First Saudi State," the statement added.

Johari also met the Malaysian diaspora in Riyadh to gather their views and share updates on Malaysia's current developments, emphasising the critical role of Malaysians abroad as goodwill ambassadors representing the nation on the global stage.

The statement quoted Johari as saying that the contributions and commitment of Malaysians abroad not only strengthen diplomatic networks but also open doors for collaboration in various sectors.

"This official visit symbolises Malaysia's dedication to further strengthening diplomatic ties with the Saudi government while expanding cooperation in various areas that benefit both nations and the global Muslim community," the statement added.

-- BERNAMA