RIYADH – His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia, was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Yamamah Palace in Riyadh on Tuesday as part of his official state visit to Saudi Arabia.
The King arrived at 1.30pm local time (6.30pm in Malaysia) and was greeted by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud. Both national anthems were played before the monarch inspected a guard of honour alongside the Crown Prince.
This visit marks a significant moment in Malaysia–Saudi Arabia relations, as it is the first state visit by a Malaysian King to the Kingdom since 1984. The trip is part of a wider diplomatic tour, with His Majesty scheduled to continue to Bahrain later this week.
Following the welcoming ceremony, Sultan Ibrahim held a formal meeting with Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The discussions were described as cordial and wide-ranging, covering bilateral cooperation and international issues of shared concern.
Accompanying the King were members of the Johor royal family, including Tunku Idris Iskandar Al-Haj Ibni Sultan Ibrahim, the Tunku Temenggong of Johor, and Tunku Abdul Rahman Al-Haj Ibni Sultan Ibrahim, the Tunku Panglima of Johor.
Senior Malaysian officials were also present, among them Defence Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin, Foreign Ministry Secretary-General Amran Mohamed Zin, and Malaysian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Dato’ Syed Mohamed Bakri Syed Abdul Rahman.
Later in the evening, the Crown Prince hosted a state banquet in honour of the visiting monarch and his delegation. The dinner underscored the importance both nations place on strengthening ties that span nearly seven decades.
Speaking after the meeting, Sultan Ibrahim highlighted the constructive nature of the discussions. “This is the first meeting between the two of us, and Prince Mohammed is very knowledgeable in the various matters discussed,” he said.
The King also emphasised the importance of policy consistency in governance and diplomacy, noting that stability in such areas fosters investor confidence and strengthens bilateral relations.
The monarch further commended Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, a long-term strategy aimed at diversifying the Kingdom’s economy, empowering its citizens, and creating a more dynamic environment for global investment.
He described the initiative as a forward-looking plan that would benefit both the region and the wider international community.
The state visit is seen as an opportunity to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, and cultural exchange. Malaysia and Saudi Arabia have historically shared close ties, particularly in religious affairs, with thousands of Malaysians travelling annually to the Holy Land for the Haj and Umrah pilgrimages.
By reaffirming these connections, both nations aim to expand collaboration beyond traditional sectors, paving the way for stronger economic and diplomatic engagement in the years ahead.
