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HIS Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Ibrahim, has expressed his appreciation to the Government of Saudi Arabia for the warm hospitality and favourable treatment extended to Malaysians working across various sectors in the kingdom, including oil and gas, services and healthcare.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said Sultan Ibrahim conveyed his gratitude during an audience with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud at Al-Yamamah Palace yesterday.
Mohamed Khaled, who accompanied the King on his State Visit to Saudi Arabia, described the meeting as cordial and productive, noting that His Majesty was received with full state honours.
“The Yang di-Pertuan Agong also informed that there are around 5,000 Malaysians serving in Saudi Arabia in diverse fields such as the oil and gas industry, services sector, and healthcare as doctors and nurses. All of them are satisfied with their experience, and His Majesty conveyed his thanks to Saudi Arabia for the hospitality extended to Malaysians residing here,” he told Bernama.
He added that Sultan Ibrahim also extended his congratulations to Saudi Arabia for its ambitious economic development plans under Vision 2030.
“Saudi Arabia has also been selected to host the World Trade Expo at the end of this month, and Malaysia fully supports the event,” Mohamed Khaled said.
The minister added that the State Visit and the meeting between Sultan Ibrahim and the Crown Prince reflected the close and enduring ties between the two Islamic nations.
Sultan Ibrahim is currently undertaking a four-day State Visit to Saudi Arabia, accompanied by Tunku Temenggong Johor Tunku Idris Iskandar Al-Haj and Tunku Panglima Johor Tunku Abdul Rahman Al-Haj.
This marks the first State Visit to Saudi Arabia by a Malaysian monarch since the late Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Al-Musta’in Billah in 1984.
According to Istana Negara, the visit underscores the ongoing commitment of Malaysia and Saudi Arabia to strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation across various sectors, including the economy, geopolitics, defence and Islamic affairs.
Saudi Arabia is Malaysia’s 14th largest trading partner, with total trade valued at RM44.74 billion (US$9.79 billion). - November 6, 2025