King, Malaysian PM hold talks, sign deals

Kuala Lumpur : His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa held a meeting with Prime Minister Muhammad Najib Abdul Razak on the third day of his visit to Malaysia yesterday. Both the leaders  reviewed bilateral relations and ways of bolstering industrial, economic, investment, educational, military, defence and trade cooperation during the meeting. 

Four landmark agreements were signed in the presence of HM, the King and the Malaysian Prime Minister. 

Ahead of the signing ceremony, HM, the King wrote a statement in the VIP Guest Book, hailing the strong policies adopted by Malaysia in advocating Islamic causes and interests as well as the good relations with the Kingdom of Bahrain. 

HM King, who is on a four-day visit to Malaysia at the invitation of Sultan Muhammad V, payed rich tributes to Malaysian leadership, its government and people for the warm welcome and genuine hospitality and reiterated Bahrain’s keenness in bolstering bilateral relations.

 HM expressed the hope that his visit would contribute to strengthening economic and investment partnership and benefit from the Malaysian know-how and scientific and technical strides. 

HM, the King underlined Bahrain’s potential, strategic location in the region, deep-rooted history and reputation as a hub for trade and tertiary services, in addition to attractive incentives and streamlined business-friendly procedures for investors.

The King commended landmark Malaysian industrial and economic strides and pioneering role in the Asian and international arenas, which turned the country into an acknowledged powerhouse hailing its stance in support of Bahrain. 

The Malaysian Premier hailed the royal visit, which, he said, would usher in wider horizons to expand cooperation and provide more opportunities to strengthen joint ties. 

He paid tribute to HM, the King, reiterating his country’s keenness on strengthening outstanding relations with Bahrain, particularly in the economic and investment sectors. 

He hailed Bahrain’s fast steps and political, economic, educational and social successes, wishing the Kingdom further progress and prosperity, led by HM, the King. 

The two sides exchanged views regarding regional and international developments, highlighting key issues which concern the Islamic world. In this regard, they voiced joint support to the efforts aimed at combating terrorism and extremism and serving the cause of security and peace in the world.

Landmark agreements signed with Malaysia 

• Air Services Agreement, signed by Foreign Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Khalifa and Transportation Minister YB Dato Sri Liow Tiong Lai. 

• Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Cooperation and Exchanges, signed by BDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant-General Dheyab bin Saqr Al-Nuaimi and Malaysian Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein. 

• Memorandum of understanding for cooperation between the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) and the National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (NCCI), signed by BCCI Chairman Khalid bin Abdulrahman Almoayyed and NCCI President YBhg Ter Leong Yap. 

• Memorandum of understanding relating to Upstream and LNG cooperation between the Oil and Gas Holding Company (NOGA Holding) and Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas), signed by Oil Minister Shaikh Mohammed bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al-Khalifa and Petronas Chief Executive Officer YBhg Datuk Wan Zulkiflee Wan Ariffin.

• Memorandum of Understanding on Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and industry cooperation, signed by Industry, Commerce and Tourism Minister Zayed bin Rashid Alzayani and Malaysian Minister of International Trade and Industry, Mustapa Mohamed.