King Praises Saudi Arabia for Treating Malaysian Workers Well
RIYADH, Nov 5: His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, has expressed deep appreciation to the Government of Saudi Arabia for its excellent treatment of Malaysian citizens working in the Kingdom across various sectors, including oil and gas, healthcare, and services.
Defense Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said Sultan Ibrahim conveyed his gratitude during an official meeting with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister His Royal Highness Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh on Tuesday (Nov 4).
“The meeting went very well and was cordial, with His Majesty being accorded a full state welcome,” Khaled told Bernama.
According to Khaled, the king highlighted that approximately 5,000 Malaysians are currently serving in Saudi Arabia in diverse fields such as the oil and gas industry, healthcare, and various service sectors.
“All of them are satisfied, and His Majesty expressed his gratitude to Saudi Arabia for its hospitality and acceptance of Malaysians working in the country,” he added.
Sultan Ibrahim also extended his heartfelt congratulations to the Kingdom on its ambitious Vision 2030 economic development plan and commended Saudi Arabia for being selected as the host nation for the upcoming World Trade Expo, a move Malaysia fully supports.
Khaled noted that the meeting between Sultan Ibrahim and the Crown Prince reflects the close and long-standing relationship between the two Islamic nations.
The Yang di-Pertuan Agong is currently on a four-day state visit to Saudi Arabia, accompanied by Tunku Temenggong Johor Tunku Idris Iskandar Al-Haj and Tunku Panglima Johor Tunku Abdul Rahman Al-Haj.
This marks the first official state visit to Saudi Arabia by a Malaysian king since the late Almarhum Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Al-Musta’in Billah’s visit in 1984.
In a statement, Istana Negara said the visit underscores the continued commitment of Malaysia and Saudi Arabia to strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation in areas such as the economy, geopolitics, defense, and Islamic affairs.
Saudi Arabia remains Malaysia’s 14th largest trading partner, with total trade valued at RM44.74 billion (US$9.79 billion).