MANAMA (BAHRAIN), Nov 9 (Bernama) -- The state visit of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, to Bahrain, which ended yesterday, marks a new chapter in the close friendship that has long existed between both countries.
The strong friendship between Sultan Ibrahim and His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain was evident throughout the three-day visit, signifying a positive indication for broader cooperation and efforts to strengthen diplomatic relations between the two countries.
In his speech at the State Banquet at Sakhir Palace, Sultan Ibrahim used the term 'brother’ when referring to King Hamad, as a sign of deep affection and great respect between the two leaders of the country.
“Your Majesty, my brother, although I am away from home, I never feel far away in this beautiful Kingdom of Bahrain. To me, Bahrain is my home.
“I never imagined that I would find someone in this part of the world whom I could truly call a brother. Bahrain is no stranger to Malaysia. We share similarities, mutual respect and a spirit of brotherhood,” declared Sultan Ibrahim.
Sultan Ibrahim decreed that Malaysia and Bahrain have always shown mutual respect, as well as share values, aspirations and commitments towards peace, well-being and the progress of the people of both nations.
King Hamad, in his reply, expressed Bahrain's commitment towards being a long-term strategic partner to Malaysia by strengthening collaboration in various fields.
"Your Majesty and your country have become loyal brothers and allies to Bahrain, and in appreciation of Your Majesty's visit, I sincerely hope our friendship will continue to grow and prosper in the years to come,” said King Hamad.
The state visit to Bahrain is the sixth undertaken by Sultan Ibrahim following visits to Singapore, China, Brunei, Russia and Saudi Arabia.
The arrival of Sultan Ibrahim on Thursday (Nov 6) was greeted with great splendour by King Hamad, including several special programmes arranged for the first time to a foreign head of state.
Among them were the visit to the Martyrs’ Memorial Monument, a site of great significance in Bahrain’s history located near the Sakhir Palace, as well as a grand reception during Sultan Ibrahim's visit to the Ministry of Interior (Police Fort).
Rows of Jalur Gemilang and Bahraini flags were also flown prominently along major roads here, including at the Sakhir Palace, as a mark of celebrating the arrival of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim.
Accompanying Sultan Ibrahim were Tunku Temenggong Johor Tunku Idris Iskandar Al-Haj, Tunku Panglima Johor Tunku Abdul Rahman Al-Haj and Tunku Putera Johor Tunku Abu Bakar Al-Haj, as well as Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.
Sultan Ibrahim departed for home on Saturday, with the special aircraft carrying His Majesty leaving the Royal Lounge at Bahrain International Airport, Muharraq, here at 8 pm local time (1 am Malaysian time).
Last year, Malaysia-Bahrain bilateral trade amounted to RM1.19 billion (USD284 million). Bahrain is Malaysia’s ninth-largest trading partner, 11th-largest export destination and eighth-largest import source among West Asian countries.
-- BERNAMA
BERNAMA provides up-to-date authentic and comprehensive news and information which are disseminated via BERNAMA Wires; www.bernama.com; BERNAMA TV on Astro 502, unifi TV 631 and MYTV 121 channels and BERNAMA Radio on FM93.9 (Klang Valley), FM107.5 (Johor Bahru), FM107.9 (Kota Kinabalu) and FM100.9 (Kuching) frequencies.
Follow us on social media :
Facebook : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatv, @bernamaradio
Twitter : @bernama.com, @BernamaTV, @bernamaradio
Instagram : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatvofficial, @bernamaradioofficial
TikTok : @bernamaofficial
