May I take this opportunity to express our heartfelt gratitude and highest appreciation to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah, the government and the people of the Kingdom for the warm hospitality and excellent support extended to the Consulate General of Malaysia in Jeddah which has enabled us to perform and execute all the tasks and duties successfully in this vibrant city of Jeddah and throughout the western region of the Kingdom.

Malaysian and Saudi Arabian relations have been very close and friendly. Both countries share similar, if not identical positions, on many international and regional issues. Malaysia and Saudi Arabia not only share strong historical and religious ties but also enjoy excellent cooperation in numerous fields. Every year, a large number of Malaysians visit the holy sites of Makkah and Madinah to perform Umrah and Haj. We are very grateful for the hospitality and enormous efforts by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and Saudi authorities to facilitate and better accommodate the increasing number of pilgrims from Malaysia and all parts of the world.

Trade and investment still remains as the major cornerstone of both countries’ relations. In 2010, bilateral trade reached $2.96 billion, up 35.1 percent from 2009. Saudi Arabia was Malaysia’s 19th biggest trading partner globally. It is heartening to note that, in 2010, export from Malaysia to Saudi Arabia witnessed an increase of 10.9 percent compared to 2009. As such, I am very optimistic that our two countries’ long standing ties in trade and investment, including in tourism and education, can be further expanded and diversified through partnership between the public and private sectors.

I am proud to note that a big number of Malaysian professionals are presently working in the Kingdom, including the Western Province, and have contributed positively to Saudi development. I would like to urge them to further enhance their performance and capabilities to continue upholding Malaysia’s image in this country. On behalf of Malaysians residing in the Western Province, I would also like to express my gratitude to the government and the people of Saudi Arabia for the hospitality and friendship extended to us.

On this auspicious occasion, I take this opportunity to extend my warm greetings and best wishes to all fellow Malaysians in the western region and other parts of the Kingdom. I pray to Allah Almighty for the continued progress and prosperity of Saudi Arabia and its people. May the brotherly and friendly relations that our two countries and the people enjoy continue to be strengthened as we progress.  Long live the brotherly relationship of our two countries.

Wabillahi Taufik Walhidayah Wassalamu’alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh.