Riyadh: His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, arrived in Saudi Arabia today for a four-day state visit aimed at further strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation between the two nations. The visit is set to benefit the people and foster collaboration in multiple areas of mutual interest.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, His Majesty's aircraft departed from the Royal Malaysian Air Force Subang Air Base and landed at the Royal Terminal, King Khalid International Airport, Riyadh at 12.30 pm local time. This visit marks the first state visit by a Malaysian King to Saudi Arabia since 1984, when the late Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Al-Musta'in Billah visited the kingdom.
Accompanying His Majesty 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, also traveled to Riyadh on a separate aircraft, arriving earlier at 11.30 am.
Upon arrival, Sultan Ibrahim was welcomed by the Deputy Governor of Riyadh Region, Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Riyadh Mayor Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf, and Ahmed Al Khateeb, the Minister of Tourism of Saudi Arabia. Also present were senior officials from the Malaysian Foreign Ministry and Malaysia's Ambassador to Saudi Arabia.
Sultan Ibrahim proceeded through a ceremonial guard-of-honour and met with dignitaries from both nations before heading to his accommodation in Riyadh. There, he was greeted by the staff of the Malaysian Embassy and their family members.
During the visit, His Majesty is scheduled to meet with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud at Al-Yamamah Palace. Istana Negara released a statement highlighting that this visit underlines Malaysia and Saudi Arabia's commitment to strengthening ties in various sectors such as the economy, geopolitics, defence, and Islamic affairs.
Throughout the first ten months of this year, Malaysia and Saudi Arabia have engaged in 12 high-profile visits, emphasizing their robust diplomatic relations. Saudi Arabia ranks as Malaysia's 14th largest trading partner, with trade totaling RM44.74 billion (US$9.79 billion). The two nations also share close ties in matters related to Haj and Umrah, with Sultan Ibrahim expected to express gratitude for the Saudi government's support for Malaysian pilgrims.
This visit is Sultan Ibrahim's fifth state visit following trips to Singapore, China, Brunei, and Russia. After completing his visit to Saudi Arabia, Sultan Ibrahim is set to travel to Bahrain on November 6 at the invitation of King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa, marking the first state visit to Bahrain since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1974.