KLUANG: Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, who will be visiting the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia and Bahrain tomorrow, has expressed the need for resolution to end the Gulf crisis.
He said Malaysia should not turn a blind eye on the issue but instead propose hope for reconciliation among the groups embroiled in the diplomatic crisis.
Hishammuddin, who is also special functions minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, is embarking on a four-day visit to the three Arab countries starting tomorrow.
The objective of the visit was to understand the real situation of the current happenings in the region and to see whether Malaysia would be able to play a role in overcoming the situation.
On June 5, several countries, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt cut ties with Qatar, accusing the Gulf state of supporting terrorist organisations.
"I am representing the prime minister in this mission to learn more about the crisis and to push for a solution and see if we can play our part as a counterpart in global Islamic nations.
"We hope to propose an amicable peace deal to the affected Arab nations as our voice in the Islamic world is still highly respected," he said after launching the Defence Ministry and Armed Forces Mini Carnival at the Taman Seri Lambak mini stadium in Sembrong here.
Hishammuddin said during the visit, he would also obtain information on the threat of Islamic State from the three countries.
He said he would be meetng with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed Zayed Al Nahyan and Saudi Arabia Crown Prince Mohammad Salman Abdulaziz Al Saud during his visit.