The king of Saudi Arabia has been the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques for nearly a century, and as a Muslim-majority country, Malaysia welcomes the current Saudi Arabian King Salman Abdulaziz Al-Saud, who is here on a four-day state visit. King Salman arrived on Sunday and was received by Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V in a ceremony steeped in tradition at Parliament Square. That his first visit to the region sees Malaysia being his first stop is an honour, a mark of an enduring relationship that has seen visits by the previous kings of Saudi Arabia. The last visit by a Saudi ruler was by the late King Abdullah Abdulaziz Al-Saud in February 2006, and before that, the late King Faisal Abdulaziz Al-Saud in June 1970. Naturally, links between the two countries are close given the haj, the pilgrimage to Mecca that is obligatory for every Muslim who has the means to perform it. The annual quota for Malaysian pilgrims is among the matters to be discussed. This year’s quota has been reverted to the original 27,900 pilgrims from the 22,230 previously.
Saudi Arabia is undergoing a transformation to diversify and strengthen its economy to reduce its dependence on oil. For Malaysian businesses, this presents an opportunity not to be missed. There are Malaysian companies in Saudi Arabia like Prasarana, which is involved in the operations and maintenance of the Mecca Metro. Tenaga Nasional Bhd is part of the Malaysian consortium undertaking the construction of the world’s largest combined power and water plants. And, given the ongoing transformation of the Saudi economy, the opportunity for Malaysian participation is immense. King Salman’s visit will further cement the long-standing relationship between the countries, thus, paving the way for more Malaysian companies in Saudi Arabia.
Saudi investment in Malaysia will also be given a boost. According to reports, the collaboration between Petronas and Saudi state oil company Saudi Aramco on a RM120 billion refining and petrochemical project in Johor is expected to be signed in conjunction with King Salman’s visit. Another economic sector of interest to both countries is the burgeoning halal industry. That trade between the countries is expanding, making Saudi Arabia one of Malaysia’s largest trading partners, is testimony to the strengthening bilateral relationship. This will be augmented by the signing of a memorandum of understanding on economic cooperation during King Salman’s visit. While economic considerations are uppermost, of no less importance is the threat of terrorism facing both countries. During his visit to Saudi Arabia some months back, the deputy prime minister had presented Malaysia’s documented standard operating procedure on counterterrorism to the Saudi crown prince. Counterterrorism remains on the agenda of the royal visit, with both countries exploring the possibility of deeper cooperation in this area.
That Malaysians flood Mecca for the haj and umrah is a given. However, another area of interest is the increasingly encouraging Saudi tourist traffic to Malaysia. In short, a two-way, multifaceted and beneficial relationship will be forged. King Salman’s visit epitomises the long spiritual bond that the countries share — the element most significant to Muslims. With that, Saudi Arabia is a friend to all Malaysians in the way of foreign investments and potential market.