RIYADH, Nov 3 — His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, the King of Malaysia, arrived for a four-day state visit to Saudi Arabia today to strengthen bilateral relations further and to expand cooperation for the interest and benefit of the people and the two nations.
The special aircraft carrying His Majesty departed from the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) Subang Air Base today, and arrived at the Royal Terminal of the King Khalid International Airport, Riyadh at 12.30pm (5.30pm Malaysian time).
This 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.
Accompanying His Majesty on the visit is Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.
His Majesty's sons — Tunku Temenggong Johor Tunku Idris Iskandar Al-Haj and Tunku Panglima Johor Tunku Abdul Rahman Al-Haj — who arrived at the same airport in a separate aircraft at 11.30am, are also accompanying Sultan Ibrahim on the visit.
The sovereign was received at the airport by the Riyadh Region Deputy Governor Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Riyadh Mayor Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf, and Saudi Tourism Minister Ahmed Al Khateeb.
Also present were Malaysian Foreign Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Amran Mohamed Zain, Grand Chamberlain of Istana Negara Datuk Azuan Effendy Zairakithnaini, and Malaysia’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Datuk Syed Bakri Syed Abdul Rahman.
Sultan Ismail then walked past a guard of honour, was greeted by dignitaries from both Malaysia and Saudi Arabia, and departed for his hotel in Riyadh.
At the hotel, the King was greeted by the Embassy of Malaysia's home-based staff and their family members, a total of 45.
During the visit to Saudi Arabia, His Majesty is scheduled to hold a four-eye meeting with the Saudi Crown Prince cum Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud at the Al-Yamamah Palace.
In a statement, Istana Negara said this state visit reflected the continued commitment of Malaysia and Saudi Arabia to strengthen bilateral relations further, and to expand cooperation in areas including the economy, geopolitics, defence, and Islamic affairs.
In the first 10 months of this year, there have been 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 the Hajj and the Umrah, with His Majesty expected to convey appreciation to the Saudi government for its hospitality and special arrangements for Malaysian pilgrims each year.
This is the fifth state visit conducted by Sultan Ibrahim, following Singapore, China, Brunei, and Russia.
Upon completion of the Saudi leg of the visit, the King will depart for Bahrain on November 6 at the invitation of King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa — marking the first state visit to the country since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and Bahrain in 1974.
