The agreement was inked Monday night between Deputy Interior Minister Prince Ahmed and Malaysian Home Affairs Minister Dato Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein at the Interior Ministry headquarters in Riyadh.

The agreement includes cooperation in combating crimes related to international terrorism, organized crime, crimes related to drugs and psychotropic substances, forgery, counterfeiting, arms smuggling and money laundering, among others.

The agreement would also allow the two countries to exchange information and expertise as well as cooperate in the field of security training.

Earlier, bilateral talks were attended by Prince Ahmed, Assistant Minister of Interior for Security Affairs Prince Mohammed bin Naif, Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Salem, an Interior Ministry undersecretary, and a number of senior officials from the ministry.

The Malaysian side included the country’s Ambassador Prof. Syed Omar Mohamad Saggaff.

In a brief speech, Prince Ahmed indicated that the Kingdom under the leadership of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah and Crown Prince Sultan, deputy premier and minister of defense and aviation, has always advocated peace and fair play in the world. He added that King Abdullah is dedicated to serving the interests of the world’s Muslims and work toward the establishment of justice around the globe.

The prince also thanked Malaysia for its stand on regional issues and also appreciated its cooperation during the annual Haj pilgrimage.

Hussein pointed out that King Abdullah had earned the respect and goodwill of the Malaysian government and its people through his contribution to world peace.

Hussein described the pact as a serious commitment toward forging closer links on security-related issues. “It will result in more frequent contact between senior officers from the Kingdom and Malaysia and it will be a platform to evaluate the programs agreed by both parties,” he said.

The accord is also expected to pave the way for official collaboration in the areas of prisoner exchange and extradition.

The minister remarked that his country’s success in addressing security threats could also benefit the Saudi government, especially in terms of intelligence sharing. “It would enhance security not only in Malaysia but also in Asia,” he said.