RIYADH – His Majesty Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim has departed for Bahrain to begin his second state visit, following the successful conclusion of his official trip to Saudi Arabia. The visit, held at the invitation of King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa, marks the first state visit by a Malaysian monarch to Bahrain since diplomatic relations were established in 1974.
Accompanying His Majesty are 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.
His Majesty’s private aircraft departed from the Royal Terminal of King Khalid International Airport, Riyadh, at 2.30 p.m. local time (7.30 p.m. Malaysian time).
Present to bid farewell were Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Deputy Governor of Riyadh, and Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf, Mayor of Riyadh.
Sultan Ibrahim expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality extended during his Saudi visit, noting that the engagements had strengthened bilateral ties.
He highlighted his meaningful conversation with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Abdulaziz Al-Saud, describing the Saudi leader’s vision under Vision 2030 as inspiring.
“I greatly appreciate the friendly conversation with Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud which was full of meaning and affirmed the desire to continue to strengthen the successes that have been achieved together over the years. Prince Mohammed’s knowledge, passion and vision in transforming Saudi Arabia under Vision 2030 are quite inspiring to me. I hope that the relationship between our two countries will continue to be strong in all aspects, In Shaa Allah,” His Majesty said.
The Bahrain visit is expected to further deepen Malaysia’s diplomatic and economic ties with the Gulf nation.
Both countries already cooperate in various sectors, with bilateral trade valued at RM1.19 billion in 2024, and they actively engage through platforms such as the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Gulf Cooperation Council-ASEAN framework.
Sultan Ibrahim’s presence in Bahrain also reflects the longstanding friendship between the two monarchs. King Hamad previously attended Sultan Ibrahim’s installation ceremony as Malaysia’s 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong, while Sultan Ibrahim last visited Bahrain in 2017 as the Sultan of Johor.
The three-day state visit will include high-level discussions, cultural exchanges, and official ceremonies, reinforcing Malaysia’s commitment to strengthening ties with Bahrain and the wider Gulf region.
