RIYADH, 17 September — The number of Saudis visiting Malaysia went up from 27,000 last year to around 40,000 this summer, reflecting their growing interest in the country’s kaleidoscopic attractions and its Islamic heritage.
“The low cost of tourism in Malaysia, the wide range of shopping facilities and common cultural values are being appreciated by Saudi as they explore new destinations every time they visit our country,” Malaysian Ambassador Wan Mokhtar Ahmad told Arab News.
He was speaking on the occasion of his country’s National Day today. The ambassador is holding a big reception to mark the event.
Describing Saudi-Malaysian relations as strong and durable, the ambassador said they got a major boost with the landmark visit of Prince Sultan, second deputy premier and minister of defense and aviation, to Kuala Lumpur last year.
That visit culminated in the signing of the Promotion and Reciprocal Protection of Investment Agreement and the Bilateral Market Access Agreement between the two countries. Malaysia also reiterated its strong support to the Kingdom’s accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO).
He said over 23,000 Malaysian pilgrims will be performing next year’s Haj. Their minister for religious affairs has already finalized arrangements during his talks with his Saudi counterpart recently.
On bilateral trade, the envoy pointed out that it has crossed $2 billion. The major export items were electronic, electrical and IT products, computers, textiles, palm oil, rubber, timber and furniture as well as foodstuff. Its imports from the Kingdom are mainly oil and petrochemicals.
