Malaysia’s King Sultan Ibrahim begins a state visit to Saudi Arabia, meeting Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to strengthen bilateral ties.
RIYADH: Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, was accorded a state welcoming ceremony at Al-Yamamah Palace today during his four-day state visit to Saudi Arabia.
The ceremony began at approximately 1.30 pm local time, with the Malaysian monarch received by Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
Both national anthems were played during the formal proceedings at the palace.
His Majesty and the Crown Prince then inspected a guard of honour before proceeding to the palace entrance.
Officials from both nations were introduced to the leaders ahead of their meeting in the audience room.
Sultan Ibrahim later attended a state banquet hosted by the Crown Prince at the same venue.
The King had arrived at Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport Royal Terminal yesterday afternoon.
This marks the first state visit by a Malaysian King to Saudi Arabia since the late Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Al-Musta’in Billah’s visit in 1984.
According to Istana Negara, the visit reflects both countries’ commitment to strengthening bilateral relations.
Cooperation will expand across multiple areas including economy, geopolitics, defence and Islamic affairs.
The statement noted 12 high-profile visits between Malaysia and Saudi Arabia during the first 10 months of this year.
Saudi Arabia ranks as Malaysia’s 14th largest trading partner with total trade reaching RM44.74 billion.
This represents Sultan Ibrahim’s fifth state visit following earlier trips to Singapore, China, Brunei and Russia. – Bernama
