Malaysia’s King Sultan Ibrahim arrives in Riyadh for his first state visit to Saudi Arabia since 1984, aiming to strengthen bilateral ties.
RIYADH: His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, arrived here today for a four-day state visit to Saudi Arabia to strengthen bilateral relations and expand cooperation.
The special aircraft carrying His Majesty landed at the Royal Terminal, King Khalid International Airport at 12.30 pm local time.
This marks the first state visit by a Malaysian King to Saudi Arabia since the late Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah’s visit in 1984.
Accompanying His Majesty are Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin and His Majesty’s sons Tunku Idris Iskandar Al-Haj and Tunku Abdul Rahman Al-Haj.
Sultan Ibrahim was received at the airport by the Deputy Governor of Riyadh Region Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman and other senior Saudi officials.
Also present were Malaysian Foreign Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Amran Mohamed Zain and Malaysia’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Datuk Syed Bakri Syed Abdul Rahman.
His Majesty inspected a guard-of-honour before departing for his hotel, where he was greeted by 45 staff members of the Malaysian Embassy and their families.
During the visit, His Majesty is scheduled to hold a four-eye meeting with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman at Al-Yamamah Palace.
Istana Negara said this visit reflects both nations’ commitment to strengthening relations in economy, geopolitics, defence and Islamic affairs.
There have been 12 high-profile visits between Malaysia and Saudi Arabia in the first 10 months of this year.
Saudi Arabia is Malaysia’s 14th largest trading partner with total trade amounting to RM44.74 billion.
His Majesty is expected to convey appreciation to the Saudi government for its hospitality toward Malaysian Haj and Umrah pilgrims.
This is Sultan Ibrahim’s fifth state visit after Singapore, China, Brunei and Russia.
Following the Saudi visit, His Majesty will depart for Bahrain on November 6 for the first state visit since diplomatic relations were established in 1974. – Bernama
