Malaysia’s King Sultan Ibrahim honoured with traditional Ardah performance and 21-gun salute during state visit to Bahrain’s Sakhir Palace.
MANAMA: Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, received a formal state welcome at Sakhir Palace today during his three-day official visit to Bahrain.
His Majesty was greeted by King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa upon arrival at the royal residence.
Bahraini students waving both nations’ flags welcomed the two monarchs at the palace entrance.
Their Majesties observed the traditional Ardah performance, a customary Bahraini welcome ceremony.
They then proceeded to the Podium of Honour accompanied by a 21-gun salute.
The royal sons joined them on the podium, including Tunku Idris Iskandar Al-Haj, Tunku Abdul Rahman Al-Haj, and Tunku Abu Bakar Al-Haj.
Crown Prince Salman Hamad Al Khalifa, who also serves as Bahrain’s Prime Minister, was also present.
Both national anthems played before the monarchs moved to the Red Brief Council Room for official discussions.
Sakhir Palace stands in the Southern Governorate near Zallaq and the University of Bahrain.
Built between 1870 and 1901, it historically housed Shaikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Bahrain’s ruler from 1932 to 1942.
Following the meeting, Sultan Ibrahim visited the nearby Martyrs’ Memorial Monument.
His Majesty was escorted to the Royal Podium before approaching the significant historical site.
A reciter delivered Surah al-Fatihah followed by prayers at the monument.
Sultan Ibrahim performed the symbolic water pouring ceremony at a palm tree near the memorial.
This gesture traditionally marks the conclusion of such ceremonies.
The Bahrain visit represents Sultan Ibrahim’s sixth state trip since ascending the throne.
Previous destinations included Singapore, China, Brunei, Russia and Saudi Arabia.
Bahrain maintains strong economic ties with Malaysia as a key Western Asian trading partner.
It ranks as Malaysia’s ninth-largest trading partner overall in the region.
Bahrain serves as Malaysia’s 11th-largest export destination and eighth-largest import source among West Asian nations. – Bernama
