The visit of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah to Malaysia early this year was a high point in Malaysian-Saudi bilateral relations, according to Malaysian Ambassador Dr. Ismail Haji Ibrahim.
“The visit strengthened the relationship which has steadily grown in depth and dimension over the years. We are keen to further develop it for the mutual benefits of both Saudis and Malaysians,” Dr. Ismail said as the embassy celebrates Malaysia’s 49th Independence Day anniversary today.
He added that the event also marks the success in which Malaysia’s truly multiracial and multicultural populations have lived and prevailed in harmony despite their diversity.
“Under the leadership of Dato’ Seri Abdullah ibn Haji Ahmad, Malaysian prime minister, Malaysia continues to gain a commendable and outstanding overall progress and developments. Malaysia has proven to the world that it it’s politically stable and prosperous,” the envoy said.
He called on all Malaysian working in Saudi Arabia to redouble their efforts to project the good image of, and promote, Malaysia.
“Your contribution is invaluable in our nation-building efforts. Let me once again take this opportunity to convey the very best wishes to all Malaysians and to each and everyone throughout the Kingdom on this memorable day. May Allah (SWT) bless us all,” he said.
Dr. Ismail also extended his cordial greetings to the Kingdom’s leadership and the “Saudi people for their courtesy, cooperation and good will toward the Malaysian Embassy and Malaysian nationals working in Saudi Arabia.”
Highlighting the excellent bilateral relations, Dr. Ismail said that the two brotherly countries still have to exploit the “vast opportunities available to the two countries in trade and investment.” Bilateral trade grew 30.4 percent during the first five months of this year (valued at $1.1 billion), up 30.4 percent from the same period last year. Bilateral trade volume last year crossed $2 billion, up 37.5 percent from 2004.
The trade growth was largely due to the growing imports of crude and refined petroleum products from the Kingdom. Malaysia, on the other hand, exported palm oil, TV receivers and furniture to the Kingdom. The exports value touched $195.6 million.
Dr. Ismail added that Malaysia continues its support to other countries, including the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) in capacity building in several strategic sectors.
“In November this year, for example, Malaysia, through its national trade promotion agency MATRADE, will organize a program called ‘Sharing of Malaysia’s Experience in Trade Promotion’ under the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Program (MTCP),” he said.
Malaysia has also received local and foreign investments from various countries including Saudi Arabia which pumped $41.6 million in various sectors such as food manufacturing, electrical and electronic products, plastic products and textile products.
“Saudi investors find Malaysia as a liberal, open and friendly trade and investment regime with sound macroeconomic management, attractive fiscal incentives and pro-business government policies which is conducive to investment,” the envoy said. He added that he’s optimistic about the growing interaction between the private sectors of both countries and hopes that more businessmen from Saudi Arabia will invest in his country.
In the global framework, Malaysia is the chairman of the OIC, Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and ASEAN Standing Committee; and under the aegis of the United Nations it has been playing an active and moderating role in strengthening the process of multilateralism, regional and global peace and security through greater dialogue and consensus building.
“The Malaysian government is deeply concerned about the numerous pressing questions of peace and stability, poverty and hunger and environmental issues as well as other common issues of interests to mankind,” Dr. Ismail said.