HIS Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Ibrahim, has returned safely to Malaysia following a six-day state visit to Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, which concluded on Sunday.
According to a statement posted on Sultan Ibrahim’s official Facebook page, His Majesty’s private aircraft landed at the Royal Hangar of Senai International Airport (LTAS) in Johor Bahru at 8.30am today.
Welcoming His Majesty home was the Regent of Johor, Tunku Mahkota Ismail. Upon arrival, Sultan Ibrahim inspected a Static Guard of Honour mounted by the Johor Military Force (Askar Timbalan Setia Negeri Johor).
Also present were Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, State Secretary Datuk Asman Shah Abd Rahman, President of the Johor Royal Council Datuk Dr Abdul Rahim Ramli, members of the Royal Council and the State Executive Council.
Sultan Ibrahim had earlier departed from Bahrain on Sunday evening, with the royal aircraft leaving the Bahrain International Airport’s Royal Lounge in Muharraq at 8pm (1am Malaysian time).
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, who accompanied the King during the Bahrain visit, described the state visit as a “significant step” in strengthening Malaysia’s close relations with the Gulf nation.
“In the current complex geopolitical climate, it is important for Malaysia to have friendly nations with mutual understanding and strategic cooperation,” he told Bernama during the visit.
“This State Visit reflects His Majesty’s personal efforts to deepen bilateral ties built on trust and mutual respect. It is crucial for Malaysia, as we practise a neutral foreign policy and occasionally express views that may not align with certain powers. Having such understanding partners provides support and strength.”
Mohamed Khaled added that Malaysia’s non-aligned stance requires expanding access to wider markets.
“Bahrain, with its robust economy based on oil, gas and aluminium production, is now focusing on professional services and financial sectors. The country can be a strategic partner for Malaysia in exploring new markets, including in Africa.
“This visit represents an opportunity to build on the relationship initiated by His Majesty, ensuring that it is managed effectively for mutual benefit. Such ties require strategic planning and the full utilisation of existing opportunities,” he said.
On security cooperation, Mohamed Khaled said both Malaysia and Bahrain — members of ASEAN and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) respectively — recognised the importance of peace and stability in their regions to strengthen bilateral trade.
“Both nations are trading economies. We do not want any regional crisis that could disrupt global commerce. The ASEAN-GCC framework on defence and security remains a key focus,” he added.
He noted that Bahrain continues to be one of Malaysia’s major trading partners in West Asia, ranking as Malaysia’s ninth-largest trading partner, 11th-largest export destination and eighth-largest source of imports in the region. - November 9, 2025
