Sultan Ibrahim's State Visit To Boost Trade, Investment And Islamic Cooperation With Saudi Arabia

From Mohd Ashraf Syafiq Mazlan

RIYADH, Nov 2 (Bernama) -- The state visit of Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, to Saudi Arabia beginning tomorrow is expected to further strengthen bilateral relations and expand strategic cooperation in trade, investment, and Islamic affairs between the two countries.

Malaysia’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Datuk Syed Bakri Syed Abdul Rahman, said the visit would elevate Malaysia–Saudi Arabia ties to greater heights in line with both nations’ shared aspirations to deepen strategic collaboration across multiple sectors.

“This visit further consolidates existing cooperation while opening doors to new joint ventures.

“We see strong potential for Malaysian companies to invest in Saudi Arabia as the kingdom’s economy is rapidly growing under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 led by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud,” he told Bernama here today.

Syed Bakri said the Saudi Arabian government warmly anticipates Sultan Ibrahim’s arrival and has extended full cooperation in ensuring the success of the visit, the first state visit by a Malaysian monarch since the late Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Al-Musta’in Billah in 1984.

“The Saudi government is according His Majesty and the delegation the highest level of state hospitality and has been fully supportive in facilitating the programmes we have planned,” he said.

On preparations for the visit, Syed Bakri said the Malaysian Embassy in Riyadh had made comprehensive arrangements in close collaboration with the Ministry of Defence, the Royal Malaysia Police, and the Prime Minister’s Department to ensure the visit proceeded smoothly and achieved its objectives.

According to Istana Negara, Sultan Ibrahim is scheduled to hold a four-eyed meeting with the Saudi Arabian Crown Prince at the Yamamah Palace in Riyadh.

In the first 10 months of this year, 12 high-level exchanges have taken place between Malaysia and Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia is Malaysia’s 14th largest trading partner, with total trade valued at RM44.74 billion (USD9.79 billion).

Beyond economic cooperation, the close bond between both nations is also reflected in the management of hajj and umrah, with Sultan Ibrahim expected to convey Malaysia’s appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s continuous hospitality and special facilitation extended to Malaysian pilgrims each year.

-- BERNAMA