Najib: Malaysia and Saudi partners in fight against extremism

Najib arriving at Jeddah.

JEDDAH: Malaysia and Saudi Arabia will remain “inseparable partners” in the fight against extremism and terrorism, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

He said that both countries remain committed to fight forces that have unleashed chaos, death and destruction in the Middle East region.

“We stand shoulder-to-shoulder with you in this fight, and we will never tire in the battle to defend the true authentic Islam,” he said in his keynote address at the Jeddah Economic Forum (JEF) 2016 here, late Tuesday night.

The JEF 2016 is a platform that focuses on public-private partnerships, by debating solutions and discussing how to overcome challenges, explore business opportunities, and assess the economic benefits offered by Saudi Arabia.

Najib said the Malaysian Armed Forces has been proud to participate in the largest military exercise in the Middle East, called Northern Thunder.

The cooperation, said Najib, will further cement coordination and cooperation between the 20 countries which gathered under Saudi Arabia’s leadership.

He also noted that the ties between the two countries were longstanding and deep, dating from as far back as the Malacca Sultanate in the 15th century.

“It has always been characterised by respect and the very best of friendship. Indeed, I am proud to say that we are like brothers,” said Najib.

He said Malaysians have always felt welcome when they visit Saudi Arabia, especially when performing Umrah or Hajj.

“This country has provided so much assistance to Malaysians here in many areas, including visa facilities and emergency relocation of students, which has been much appreciated by our people.

“I would like to personally thank the Saudi royal family for all their support over many decades.

“We will always appreciate it, and we will never forget it, from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman Abdulaziz Al-Saud, to the late King Abdullah Abdulaziz Al-Saud, and their esteemed predecessors, we in Malaysia have been so very fortunate to have constant and trusted friends,” he said.