KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said that his five-day working visit to Saudi Arabia, which ended on Thursday, achieved its goals and further strengthened bilateral ties between Malaysia and the Kingdom.
Najib, who is on his way back to Malaysia, said that he and Saudi Arabia's King Salman Abdulaziz Al-Saud discussed various matters which they had agreed upon during the latter's visit to Kuala Lumpur last year.
"This includes matters relating to economic cooperation, security, the Haj and the setting up of the King Salman Centre for International Peace (KSCIP) in Putrajaya," he said in a brief posting in his blog.
The prime minister said that Malaysia and Saudi Arabia’s relationship has long been established, but was enhanced by King Salman’s choice of Malaysia as the first destination in his international tour last year.
"As a result of the visit (by King Salman), we have enjoyed many benefits, including in education, business, investment, and even religion.
"(It was then that) I was invited by King Salman to visit Saudi Arabia. Alhamdulillah (praise be to God), with permission from Allah SWT, I had the opportunity to (accept) the invitation this week, (and) I also had the opportunity to perform umrah together with my mother Tun Rahah (Noah) and my beloved family," he said.
Najib also expressed his gratitude for the privilege given to him and his entourage as Saudi Arabia’s official guests.
"We were given the honour of visiting the tomb of Rasulullah SAW (Prophet Muhammad), and I also had the opportunity to enter the Kaabah. Thank goodness, Alhamdulillah.
"Hopefully, this brotherhood (between Malaysia and Saudi Arabia) will remain strong and (grow stronger) in the future, Insha-Allah (God willing)," he added.