Sultan Ibrahim begins historic state visits to Saudi Arabia and Bahrain to enhance diplomatic relations and cooperation across multiple sectors
KUALA LUMPUR: KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 2 (Bernama) — His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, will embark on a state visit to Saudi Arabia and Bahrain beginning tomorrow, marking a new chapter in efforts to strengthen Malaysia’s diplomatic ties with both nations spanning 68 years.
In a statement today, Istana Negara said the 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 Al-Musta’in Billah Ibni Almarhum Sultan Abu Bakar Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mu’adzam Shah’s visit in 1984.
During the visit to Riyadh, His Majesty is scheduled to hold a four-eye meeting with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, at Al-Yamamah Palace.
Accompanying the King on the visit are his sons — Tunku Temenggong Johor Tunku Idris Iskandar Al-Haj, Tunku Panglima Johor Tunku Abdul Rahman Al-Haj, and Tunku Putera Johor Tunku Abu Bakar Al-Haj — along with Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, who will serve as Minister-In-Attendance.
“This state visit reflects the continued commitment of Malaysia and Saudi Arabia to further strengthen bilateral relations, and to expand cooperation in areas including the economy, geopolitics, defence and Islamic affairs,” the statement read.
Istana Negara said that during the first 10 months of this year, there had been a total of 12 high-profile visits between Malaysia and Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia is Malaysia’s 14th largest trading partner, with total trade amounting to RM44.74 billion (US$9.79 billion).
Beyond economic ties, close relations are also evident in matters relating to Haj and Umrah, with His Majesty expected to convey appreciation to the Saudi government for its hospitality and special arrangements for Malaysian pilgrims each year.
Upon completion of the Saudi leg of the visit, Sultan Ibrahim will depart for Bahrain on Nov 6 at the invitation of King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa — marking the first state visit since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and Bahrain in 1974.
According to the statement, Sultan Ibrahim and King Hamad share a long-standing friendship. His Majesty visited Bahrain in 2017 as Sultan of Johor, while King Hamad attended Sultan Ibrahim’s installation ceremony as the 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong last year.
Malaysia and Bahrain enjoy active cooperation across multiple sectors, with total trade valued at RM1.19 billion (US$0.26 billion) last year, and strong engagement at the international level through the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Gulf Cooperation Council–ASEAN framework.
Meanwhile, in conjunction with the visit, Sultan Ibrahim said the trips to Saudi Arabia and Bahrain are part of Malaysia’s ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral ties with key nations for the benefit and well-being of the people.
“During my state visits to Singapore, Brunei, China and Russia, I have always emphasised the importance of close cooperation and friendship that bring mutual benefits to our peoples and nations.
“Saudi Arabia and Bahrain are two nations very close to my heart and of significant strategic importance. I call upon all Malaysians to pray for the success of this visit for the long-term
