MANAMA: The state visit of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, to Bahrain has been described as a significant effort to strengthen the close relationship between the two countries.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Khaled Nordin, the minister-in-attendance for the visit, said that in challenging geopolitical situations, it's important for Malaysia to maintain friendships with countries that understand and can cooperate strategically.
"Such state visits are part of His Majesty's efforts to strengthen ties directly and personally. During this visit, Sultan Ibrahim has gone beyond a simple relationship, fostering a truly close and trusting bond between the countries.
"This is crucial for Malaysia because we practice a policy of neutrality and sometimes express positions that may not be widely accepted. Friendly nations like this can understand and provide mutual support and strength," he told Bernama during the visit.
Mohamed Khaled noted that Malaysia’s stance of not aligning with any bloc requires it to open a wider space for market expansion.
"Bahrain, as a producer of oil, gas, and aluminium, has a strong economy and is now focusing on the services, professional, and financial sectors. It can be a strategic partner for Malaysia in our efforts to open markets elsewhere, such as in Africa.
"Bahrain can play a role in providing mutual support. The relationship between the two countries has already been pioneered by His Majesty. It is now up to the leadership to manage it so that it truly brings benefits.
"This visit and the ties forged require strategic planning to take advantage of the path that has been opened," he said.
In terms of security, Mohamed Khaled said Malaysia and Bahrain, as members of Asean and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), respectively, view peace and stability as crucial to strengthening bilateral trade.
"Bahrain and Malaysia are trade partners, and we do not want this region to face a crisis that could affect global trade. GCC-Asean defence and security aspects were among the focuses.
"Bahrain is a collaborative space that needs to be harnessed to increase trade.
"The security of both regions is vital, which is why there is a need for relationships in defence, information sharing, intelligence sharing, and maintaining security," said Mohamed Khaled.
Bahrain remains among Malaysia's major trade partners in West Asia and is Malaysia's ninth-largest trading partner, 11th-largest export destination, and eighth-largest import source among West Asian countries.
His Majesty left for home on Sunday after concluding a three-day state visit to Bahrain.
The special aircraft carrying Sultan Ibrahim departed from the Royal Lounge at Bahrain International Airport, Muharraq, at 8pm local time (1am Malaysian time) and safely arrived at the Royal Hangar at Senai International Airport (LTAS) at 8.30am. – Bernama
