JEDDAH, 14 September 2007 — Relations between Saudi Arabia and Malaysia remain warm, brotherly and strong. “It is a long standing relationship,” Malaysian Consul General Syed Bakri Al-Jafree said at his country’s 50th national day at the Jeddah Hilton earlier this week.

“The visit by Custodian of the two Holy Mosques King Abdullah early last year has really strengthened the relationship further,” he said, adding that Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak’s visit in February this year in connection with the Jeddah Economic Forum further cemented the relationship.

When Malaysia proclaimed independence in 1957, Saudi Arabia was one of the few nations that sent their representatives to Kuala Lumpur. “In 1958, we established embassies in each other’s capitals,” Al-Jafree added.

Bilateral trade has also been expanding, he added. In the West Asian region, the Kingdom remains Malaysia’s second largest trading partner after the UAE and the largest source of import. Tourist arrivals from the Kingdom have been increasing steadily in the last few years.

“We want more Saudis to come and spend their vacation there and enjoy our tropical climate,” he said.

Student exchange is another growing area between the two countries. “We are grateful to Saudi Arabia for sponsoring our students studying Islamic subjects in Makkah and Madinah. We are happy that more young Saudis are making Malaysia a destination of choice to further their studies at tertiary levels,” Al-Jafree said.

Three chefs from Hilton Kuala Lumpur were flown in to prepare authentic Malaysian delicacies for the event. A group of dancers, who came from Malaysia’s ministry of culture, arts and heritage, and child dancers from the Johor Heritage Foundation, gave a performance.