Malaysia is persevering toward developed nation status by the year 2020; encompassing all aspects of life, from economic prosperity, social wellbeing, world-class provision of education and political stability. Toward this end, the honorable Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak has implemented various initiatives to strive toward achieving this challenging but achievable vision. These initiatives include the 1 Malaysia: People First, Performance Now concept; the Government Transformation Program (GTP); the Economic Transformation Program (ETP); and the New Economic Model (NEM), which are all showing constant positive results since their launchings. Malaysia is indeed on the right track. These comprehensive, well thought-out and results-based initiatives by the Malaysian government have been very well received by Malaysians.

We are very pleased to note that during 2010, the relations between our two countries have continued to develop harmoniously, and diversified to cover all spheres of activities. Bilateral relations between Malaysia and Saudi Arabia remain in very good stead and continue to be enhanced with high-level exchanges of visits. Both countries have also continued to push the trade and investment agenda with bilateral trade amounting $2.96 billion in 2010. Currently, various major Malaysian companies also enjoy a strong presence in Saudi Arabia and I am confident that in the years ahead, more Malaysian companies will venture into Saudi Arabia given the political stability and economic vitality in the Kingdom.

The visit made by the Prime Minister of Malaysia Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib Tun Razak in May this year marks the pinnacle of our excellent relations and Malaysia greatly appreciates the warm hospitality extended by the government of Saudi Arabia to the Malaysian leader which had consequentially contributed greatly to the success of the visit. We appreciate Saudi Arabia’s willingness to open the doors for Malaysian companies to invest here. It is our earnest hope that more Malaysian companies will be invited to explore more opportunities in other areas in the near future.  I am very pleased to note that there is a healthy and vibrant Malaysian community in Saudi Arabia. I am also satisfied that they have carried themselves very well and continue to carry the good name of Malaysia in this country.

Among other major events in the last months, I would like to place emphasis on the signing of the agreement on security cooperation between Malaysia and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in April. This agreement demonstrated serious commitment by countries to forge closer links in dealing with security-related issues such as terrorism, drug trafficking, money laundering, forgery of travel documents, cyber crime, arms trafficking, treason and economic crimes.  It would also pave the way for enhanced official collaboration and will result in more frequent contacts between senior officers from both countries to serve as platform to assess programs agreed to by both sides.

Malaysia is a melting pot of different races, religions and cultures. We are blessed as the elements are reflected not only in the daily lives of Malaysians but also in the arts, culture and heritage of Malaysia and we have drawn strength from our diversity. For the past 54 years since our independence, Malaysia has enjoyed political stability and economic progress. Malaysians continue to live in peace and harmony which are the main ingredients for the growth and development of the country. Malaysia is also opening its doors to tourists, lends itself very well as an ideal destination for a vacation and has a wealth of diverse attractions. Saudi Arabia is considered a primary market for Malaysia in the field of tourism, categorized under the Middle East group. Tourist arrivals from Saudi Arabia in 2010 were recorded at 86,771 compared to 77,082 in 2009, indicating an increased of 12.6 percent.

On the international front, Malaysia has played a committed and active role in promoting peace, multilateralism, international law and fostering understanding across the globe via various international and regional organizations.

I sincerely hope that our bilateral relationship will thrive further for years to come, and we at the Embassy of Malaysia in Saudi Arabia will continue to work to forge closer bonds of friendship and promote mutual understanding between Malaysia and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. We are eager to strengthen our cooperation with Saudi Arabia, in both the traditional and innovative fields. I am confident that a more concerted approach toward each other shall reveal a whole array of new opportunities for our mutually beneficial collaboration.

In conclusion and on behalf of the Malaysian people and the Embassy of Malaysia in Riyadh, I wish to offer my warmest greetings to King Abdullah and the Saudi people. As Malaysians at home and abroad celebrate Malaysia’s 54th National Day today, I also wish all Malaysians and friends early felicitations on the occasion of Malaysia Day on Sept. 16, 2011.

Selamat Hari Merdeka!