KUALA LUMPUR: Malayia and Saudi Arabia pledged to boost cooperation in various areas and welcomed Malaysian involvement in major construction projects undertaken by the Saudi government ahead of an official visit by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak next month.The two countries expressed satisfaction with the excellent bilateral ties during a two-day visit to Saudi Arabia over the weekend by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman, said a Wisma Putra statement.
Anifah called on King Abdullah Abdul Aziz al-Saud on Sunday after meeting Saudi Second Deputy Prime Minister Prince Nayef Abdulaziz al-Saud, Finance Minister Ibrahim Abdul Aziz al-Assaf and his counterpart Prince Saud al-Faisal Abdulaziz the day before.
The Foreign Ministry in a statement here yesterday said Anifah conveyed the Prime Minister’s intention to make a visit on Jan 15 and 16, the first official visit by Najib since he assumed the post in April.
Najib had made a working visit to Saudi Arabia in July to perform the Umrah and also called on King Abdullah who indicated that his country might play a more active role in Islamic banking, Islamic products and services and equity in Malaysia following the liberalisation of the Malaysian economy.
In their meeting, Anifah and the Saudi finance minister expressed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in other areas and the latter stated that Saudi Arabia regarded Malaysia as a model developing country.
“During the discussion, His Excellency welcomed Malaysian businesses to participate in the various major construction projects being undertaken by the Saudi government including mineral exploration,” said Wisma Putra.
The two ministers also discussed Malaysia and Asean involvement with Gulf Cooperation Council countries.
Anifah’s counterpart Prince Saud Al-Faisal underlined that the Saudi government was interested to cooperate with Malaysia and other Asean countries in food production and exports to the kingdom.
They also discussed the Palestinian issue and recent political and security developments in the region that impact on Saudi Arabia and Muslim countries, and agreed on the need to better collaborate on issues for the betterment of the ummah.
Prince Nayef urged Malaysia to play an active role in bridging the gap of differences and conflicts between Islamic countries and in efforts to contribute towards the stability in the region and unity of Muslims, the ministry said. — Bernama
Anifah thanked the Saudi Arabian government for the hospitality and care extended to Malaysian pilgrims and he also welcomed Saudi tourists to visit Malaysia as their preferred destination. — Bernama