RIYADH: His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, visited the Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) to observe the latest advancements in military manufacturing technologies.
His Majesty was received by SAMI chief executive officer Thamer Al-Muhid, who briefed the King on the company’s ongoing projects and innovations in defence and security systems.
Sultan Ibrahim was accompanied by Tunku Temenggong of Johor Tunku Idris Iskandar Al-Haj, Tunku Panglima of Johor Tunku Abdul Rahman Al-Haj and Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, Bernama reported.
Also present were Foreign Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Amran Mohamed Zin, Grand Chamberlain of Istana Negara Datuk Azuan Effendy Zairakithnaini and Malaysian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Datuk Syed Bakri Syed Abdul Rahman.
SAMI was established in 2017 to advance Saudi Arabia’s defence industries strategy by localising military manufacturing and developing cutting-edge defence systems, in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
SAMI operates through its five main sector units, namely aviation and space, defence systems, advanced electronics, land systems and marine systems.
Sultan Ibrahim also visited the headquarters of Arabian Oud to witness firsthand the artistry behind oud production.
Upon arrival, His Majesty was received by Arabian Oud chief executive officer Omar Abdulaziz Sulaiman Al Jasser, who briefed the King on the company’s history, products and achievements.
As a tribute to His Majesty’s visit, the company presented an exclusive special collection bearing the name of Sultan Ibrahim, created in his honour.
Saudi Arabia is Malaysia’s 14th largest trading partner, with total trade amounting to RM44.74bil.
This is the fifth state visit by Sultan Ibrahim after Singapore, China, Brunei and Russia.
The King will depart for Bahrain today.
