RIYADH: The visit by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin to Saudi Arabia is an important milestone to forge a stronger relationship between Malaysia and Saudi Arabia.
The kingdom's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan al-Saud said, by building on the bonds that had already existed, the countries could further develop the ties towards a stronger future.
Speaking to Malaysian reporters at the Foreign Affairs Ministry earlier here before the arrival of Muhyiddin in Riyadh, he described the relationship as "of extreme importance to the kingdom and the Muslim ummah".
"It is important that we have a strong bilateral relationship that can serve the interests of both our countries, but also the Muslim world as a whole.
"The visit of the prime minister will help push this relationship to a very strong future, and build on the bonds that are already exist. It will give a burst of energy to this relationship," he said.
On the memoranda of understanding (MoU) that would be signed at tomorrow's (March 9) official programme at Al-Yamamah Palace, he said they would include the High-Level Strategic Committee (HLSC) as well as on haj and umrah matters.
"We have (an MoU) relating to making it easier for haj pilgrims to visit the kingdom. It is called the 'Mecca Road Service', which means Malaysians would be able to clear at the Saudi passport control in Malaysia.
"This way, we hope it will help our Malaysian brothers and sisters when they come for haj and umrah, InsyaaAllah.
"Also, there are agreements related to business cooperation and other areas which are still in discussion (stage)," he said, adding other agreements inked would be announced in the coming weeks and months.
Prince Faisal, who praised Malaysia as a beacon of tolerance for its efforts in promoting a moderate Islam, said together with Saudi Arabia, the countries could join forces and take an active role in promoting tolerance for the global community.
"We are very challenged in the world today in all forms of discrimination, of hate and misunderstanding. We need to help the global community understand that Islam is really a force for good, a force for peace."
Prince Faisal said, by working together, the two countries could help reinforce the message that the Muslim ummah was united for peace and progress.
"The examples that Malaysia and the Kingdom (of Saudi Arabia) have shown could work to promote the true identity of Islam and the true understanding of Islam among the nations of the world."
On the HLSC, he said its establishment would help institutionalise the cooperation between the two countries, rather than relying on ad-hoc modes of cooperation.
"We now have a firmly-established institutional process that will deliver results for both countries, and make sure we follow up on the opportunities.
"There are a lot of opportunities between the two countries — in the investment, education, scientific development (sectors)... and we need a strong process to make sure that we achieve all these opportunities.
"And this (HLSC) will help us follow up on the agreements and the discussions that had taken place, by making sure that we continue to build a strong momentum in the relationship."