Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim commenced his official visit to Bahrain, extending Malaysia’s bilateral ties. Welcomed with honors, he will meet with key figures including Crown Prince Salman and King Hamad, focusing on economic collaborations. His agenda also includes dialogues at an Islamic conference and outreach to the Malaysian diaspora.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim arrived in Bahrain early this morning for an official visit, following an invitation from Bahrain’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister Salman Hamad Al Khalifa. His flight landed at Bahrain International Airport at 12:45 AM local time, marking the beginning of his first official visit as Prime Minister.
Upon arrival, Anwar was greeted with a static guard of honor, symbolizing Bahrain’s warm welcome. He was welcomed by a delegation that included Bahraini Foreign Affairs Minister Dr. Abdullatif Rashid Al Zayani and the Malaysian Ambassador to Bahrain, Shazryll Zahiran, among others.
The prime minister was escorted from the airport to his accommodation, and national flags were visibly displayed along the route, showcasing Malaysia’s presence. During his visit, Anwar will have a courtesy meeting with Crown Prince Salman and an audience with Bahrain’s King, Raja Hamad Isa Al Khalifa, reinforcing the strong bilateral relations between the two nations.
In addition to political engagements, Anwar, who also serves as finance minister, is set to meet with his Bahraini counterpart, Shaikh Salman Khalifa Al Khalifa. He is scheduled to visit the Bahrain Economic Development Board to discuss potential economic cooperation opportunities, highlighting Malaysia’s interest in Bahrain’s economic landscape.
Anwar’s itinerary includes a meeting with the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, Prof. Dr. Ahmed El-Tayeb, as well as an event to engage with the Malaysian diaspora. Furthermore, he is expected to deliver a speech at the Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference, which will be attended by 298 scholars from 75 countries, focusing on Islamic dialogue and cooperation.
Bahrain has historical significance as the first Gulf nation to discover oil and was Malaysia’s ninth-largest trading partner in West Asia last year. Malaysia ranks as Bahrain’s third-largest trading partner among ASEAN nations, underscoring the economic ties reliant not only on oil but also on Bahrain’s established aluminum processing sector, which is pivotal for Malaysia’s imports.
In summary, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s visit to Bahrain marks an important diplomatic engagement that aims to strengthen bilateral relations between Malaysia and Bahrain. His schedule includes meetings with key leaders and discussions on economic cooperation, particularly emphasizing trade in oil and aluminum. Such endeavors reflect Malaysia’s strategic interests in fostering strong ties with Gulf nations.
Original Source: theedgemalaysia.com
