MANAMA – His Majesty Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim has safely arrived in Bahrain for his maiden state visit, marking a significant milestone in Malaysia’s diplomatic relations with the Gulf nation.
The visit, held at the invitation of King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa, underscores the close ties between the two countries since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1974.
His Majesty’s aircraft landed at Bahrain International Airport at 3.30 p.m. local time (8.30 p.m. Malaysian time) on Thursday, where he was warmly received by King Hamad, Prince Salman bin Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Bahrain, and members of the Bahraini Royal Family.
Accompanying the Yang di-Pertuan Agong were YAM Tunku Idris Iskandar Al-Haj Ibni Sultan Ibrahim, Tunku Temenggong of Johor; YAM Tunku Abdul Rahman Al-Haj Ibni Sultan Ibrahim, Tunku Panglima of Johor; and YAM Tunku Abu Bakar Al-Haj Ibni Sultan Ibrahim, Tunku Putera of Johor. Also, present was Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, Malaysia’s Minister of Defence and Minister of the Guard.
The Malaysian delegation welcoming His Majesty included Dato’ Sri Amran Mohamed Zin, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Tan Sri Dato’ Dr. Azmi Rohani, Datuk Comptroller of the Royal Household of the Istana Negara; and Dato’ Shazryll Zahir, Malaysian Ambassador to Bahrain.
During the three-day state visit, Sultan Ibrahim is scheduled to hold an official meeting with King Hamad, focusing on strengthening bilateral cooperation.
His Majesty will also be accorded the honour of being the first Head of State to visit the Martyrs’ Memorial Monument at Istana Sakhir.
The monument commemorates the sacrifices of Bahrain’s fighters since independence and is regarded as a site of deep national significance.
Malaysia and Bahrain maintain active cooperation across multiple sectors, with bilateral trade valued at RM1.19 billion (USD0.26 billion) in 2024.
Both nations also collaborate on the international stage through the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Gulf Cooperation Council-ASEAN framework, reflecting shared commitments to regional and global stability.
The state visit highlights Malaysia’s ongoing efforts to deepen ties with Gulf nations, building on Sultan Ibrahim’s recent engagements in Saudi Arabia.
It also reflects the longstanding friendship between the Malaysian monarch and King Hamad, who previously attended Sultan Ibrahim’s installation ceremony as Malaysia’s 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
This historic visit is expected to pave the way for enhanced diplomatic, economic, and cultural exchanges, reinforcing Malaysia’s role as a trusted partner in the Middle East.
