MANAMA – The state visit of Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim to Bahrain continued on 8 November with a formal engagement at the country’s Ministry of Home Affairs in Manama.
His Majesty was accompanied by King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa, underscoring the close ties between the two monarchs.
Upon arrival, they were received by Lieutenant General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al-Khalifa, Bahrain’s Minister of Home Affairs, who extended a warm welcome on behalf of the ministry.
The visit was marked by ceremonial honours, beginning with the playing of Malaysia’s national anthem, Negaraku.
His Majesty then inspected a guard of honour parade alongside King Hamad, reflecting the respect accorded to the Malaysian monarch.
The ceremony also included a silent march and a musical performance by the Bahrain Police Band, adding to the formal atmosphere of the occasion.
Accompanying Sultan Ibrahim were members of the Johor royal family: YAM Tunku Idris Iskandar Al-Haj Ibni Sultan Ibrahim, Tunku Temenggong Johor; YAM Tunku Abdul Rahman Al-Haj Ibni Sultan Ibrahim, Tunku Panglima Johor; and YAM Tunku Abu Bakar Al-Haj Ibni Sultan Ibrahim, Tunku Putera Johor. Their presence highlighted the significance of the visit and the strong representation from Malaysia’s royal household.
The engagement at the Ministry of Home Affairs forms part of a wider programme during Sultan Ibrahim’s state visit to Bahrain, which aims to strengthen bilateral relations and foster cooperation across multiple sectors.
The visit follows earlier discussions between the two nations’ leaders on enhancing economic collaboration, cultural exchange and strategic partnerships under Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030.
Observers note that such ceremonial visits are not only symbolic but also serve to reinforce diplomatic goodwill and institutional ties.
By engaging directly with Bahrain’s Ministry of Home Affairs, Malaysia’s monarch demonstrated the importance of security and administrative cooperation as part of the broader bilateral agenda.
The state visit continues to highlight Malaysia’s role as a constructive partner in the Gulf region, with both countries expressing optimism that their friendship will expand into new areas of collaboration.
The ceremonial welcome in Manama reflects the mutual respect and shared aspirations that underpin Malaysia-Bahrain relations.
