A JALIL HAMID, MUZLI MOHD ZIN and AHMAD ZAINI KAMARUZZAMAN speak to Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman on the significance of King Salman’s state visit to Malaysia
Q: Malaysia’s total trade last year was boosted by higher trade with Saudi Arabia, which expanded by RM3.04 billion. What discussions will take place with the Saudi ruler on measures to ramp up bilateral trade and enhance exports to Saudi Arabia?
A: Trade and investment remain the major cornerstone of discussions between both countries. Saudi Arabia was Malaysia’s second largest trading partner in the Middle East last year. Even though the trade balance was in Saudi Arabia’s favour, total trade between Malaysia and Saudi Arabia increased by 12.4 per cent to US$3.17 billion (RM13.12 billion) compared with US$2.82 billion (RM10.95 billion) for 2015. Malaysia is pleased with the level of bilateral trade between both countries, but there is still much that can be explored together and to take advantage of economic opportunities created by both countries.
During the state visit, a Malaysia-Saudi Arabia Business Forum will be held in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday, aimed at promoting greater business opportunities between Malaysia and Saudi Arabia. More than 300 captains of industries are expected to participate.
Malaysia and Saudi Arabia will sign several memoranda of understanding (MoUs) to accelerate and take economic ties to greater heights. Among the MoUs that will be signed are on scientific and education cooperation, cooperation in economic relations, labour and human resources and exchange of news and cooperation between Bernama and Saudi Press Agency.
The private/business sector, too, is expected to conclude several MOUs, paving the way for greater economic collaboration and cooperation between the two countries.
Malaysia will capitalise on the National Transformation Plan and Vision 2030 of the Saudi government, which are aimed at diversifying economic activities.
In this regard, Malaysia hopes to export not just goods, but also expertise and know-how in manufacturing and services to Saudi Arabia.
The anticipated increase in trade and economic cooperation would boost Malaysia’s relations with the kingdom.
Q: What are some of the issues that Malaysia will discuss with the ruler in security cooperation and counter-terrorism? Why is there a need to beef up initiatives in fighting terrorism and its de-radicalisation programme for extremists, as well as the sharing of intelligence between both countries?
A: As members of OIC (Organisation of Islamic Cooperation) and Global Coalition against Islamic State, Malaysia and Saudi Arabia have grave concerns about the threats of terrorism to global peace and security posed by IS and other similar groups or individuals.
Both countries share the view that terrorism is a serious threat, and agree that a collaborate effort is crucial to counter the narratives of terrorists and extremists.
It is important to realise that combating terrorism requires commitment and determination from all countries as it has caused the loss and injury of innocent lives, as well as damage to public property, infrastructure and cultural heritage.
Terrorism can hinder the development of a country and, more importantly, it tarnishes the image of Islam, which is the foundation that Malaysia and Saudi Arabia are strong in.
Q: How do you see Saudi Arabia’s role in the Middle East, particularly in light of the spreading conflict in the region?
A: Saudi Arabia has an important role to play in the Middle East, especially looking at the conflicts in the region. In fact, Saudi Arabia seems to be the last bastion of peace and security, as well as a major power in the fight against Islamic radicals.
Malaysia believes that when it comes to conflict resolution, particularly those in the Middle East, which have widespread ramifications, it is not up to one country to go it alone. The best solution is always a collective solution. We have never wavered in this, and will work with Saudi Arabia through multilateral organisations of which our two countries are members.
In the case of Saudi Arabia, it has a major role to play as a regional power, as well as a neighbouring country to these conflict zones. When Malaysia was in the United Nations Security Council, we listened carefully to concerns voiced by regional organisations on the best way forward for conflict resolution in their region.
This has not changed. We believe countries in the region where the conflict is localised are the best advocates of long-term solutions to the conflict.
To this end, Malaysia will continue to work with Saudi Arabia in the latter’s efforts to bring peace to conflicts in the Middle East.
Q: It has been a while since Saudi Arabia made such a high-level visit to Malaysia. Does this have an impact on Malaysia’s bilateral relations with Saudi Arabia, and what does this visit by King Salman signify?
A: The last state visit was in 2006. Before that, we welcomed King Faisal in 1970, which means the visit by King Salman enhances the cooperation between Malaysia and Saudi Arabia.
In other words, the relations between the two countries are on an upward trajectory.
Despite the fact that there have been only three state visits since Malaysia’s independence, there have been quite a number of other high- level visits, both to and from Saudi Arabia.
I was in Saudi Arabia in May 2015 and welcomed my counterpart for an official visit to Malaysia in the previous year.
Many other visits of Malaysian ministers to Saudi Arabia, as well as a multitude of people-to-people and business community visits have taken place.
So, it is not far-fetched to say that the bilateral relations between Malaysia and Saudi Arabia are on an excellent footing.